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Shaun Micallef regards Peter Cook and Dudley Moore as the missing link between The Goons and Monty Python. Micallef's nostalgia for past comedy heroes is evident in his own work, which audiences have found variously endearing and baffling. With Good Evening however he has hit upon the perfect material, a top-class and flawlessly paced affair that is clearly as much a joy for the performers as it is for audiences.

Getting together a collection of Pete and Dud's material became something of a pet project for Micallef, but Good Evening is not one of those dreadful, contrived tribute shows. It is a lively, fresh performance, faithful to the original material but with a modern interpretation designed for Australian audiences.

The chemistry between Shaun Micallef and Stephen Curry is palpable as they glide effortlessly through more than a dozen sketches including Father and Son, The Great Train Robbery, At The Art Gallery and the famous One Leg Too Few, in which a one-legged man auditions for the role of Tarzan. Acting with flawless pacing and precision, as well as displaying impressive vocal talent, Micallef and Curry realise the potential of the material in a way that both new and well-versed audiences will appreciate.

Good Evening has a decidedly musical flavour, with several sequences involving singing, dancing and piano accompaniment. Stephen Curry has excellent rhythm and, as it turns out, a surprisingly good voice. Andrew Patterson shines as the on-stage pianist, though we are told he is only there because Stephen can't play the piano. There is much breaking of the fourth wall throughout, with nods and asides to the audience and occasional bits of ad-lib. Imaginative staging and glossy production values top off the overall effect.

A class act from start to finish, Good Evening is also that rare thing in comedy these days - a clean show. Refreshingly original while instantly familiar, it does honour to the memory of Peter Cook and Dudley Moore and proves once again that great comedy is timeless.


TOKEN EVENTS Presents
GOOD EVENING
The Sketches Of Peter Cook and Dudley Moore

Directed by Tom Healey

Venue: The Comedy Theatre | Cnr Exhibition & Lonsdale Streets, Melbourne
Dates: Tuesday 30 March – Saturday 10 April, 2010
Times: Tuesday – Saturday at 7pm, Sunday at 6pm
Tickets: Tuesday – Friday & Sunday $44.90/$39.90, Saturday all tix $48.90
Bookings: Ticketek on 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au
Visit: www.goodevening.com.au