REVIEW: All Washed Up

See article in its original context here by Andrew Watts for What’s On Comedy.

The Bad Boys Of Music Theatre are All Washed Up. And, as it would turn out, they’ve washed up onto the stage of FortyFiveDownstairs; a trendy little theatre at the top end of Flinders Lane. Having arrived at the show with a few minutes to spare, we stocked up on drinks and popcorn before settling into a table in the front row. The remaining tables filled quickly and it wasn’t long before an expectant buzz filled the air. Yet I couldn’t help but feel somewhat uneasy. The crowd looked almost too artsy — if that’s possible. A bit too theatre. And as the house lights dimmed I realised the source of my discomfort. I don’t really like music theatre.

But it turns out All Washed Up is more cabaret than music theatre. And thanks to an original script laced with enough puns and innuendo to sink a ship, I soon found myself realising that whilst I don’t like music theatre, I do like this.

All Washed Up centres around the VCA-trained Bad Boys, Andrew Strano and John Frankland, being stranded on a deserted island and follows them as they attempt to figure out how they got there and how they’ll get home. Using a combination of pre-recorded footage, audience interaction and on-stage banter, the hour-long show maintains a rollicking pace thanks to the infectious enthusiasm and easy-going rapport of its two stars. But it is the calibre of the songs that really takes the show to another level; showcasing the duo’s considerable writing and musical talents. And boy can those Bad Boys sing.

It is clear that the pair feel at home on the stage. Their ability and willingness to laugh at themselves only acts to draw the audience further into their island world. However perhaps the best indicator of the show’s success is the simple fact that I woke the next morning with one of their songs stuck in my head and couldn’t help but have another quiet chuckle.

The Bad Boys Of Music Theatre delivered a funny, clever and original show that confirmed that this musical-comedy duo are anything but washed up.

The Bad Boys Of Music Theatre All Washed Up is playing at FortyFiveDownstairs from the 27 March – 7 April (except Mondays). For more info and to book tickets (Std. $28 / Conc. $23 / Group (6+) & Laugh Pack $20 / Tuesdays $18) check out http://www.facebook.com/thebbomt.

Hear more from The Bad Boys Of Music Theatre through their website and Twitter @BBoMT.