English sisters Flo & Joan do musical comedy like no-one else, and have given us some cracking shows over the years.
Now they show some new tricks, being the writers of One Man Musical. They are also “the band” supporting George Fouracres (HBO’s The Franchise, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Hamlet) as “the man” taking centre stage.
The show premieres at MICF following sell-out runs in Edinburgh and in London’s West End, the latter fact is particularly appropriate given the “man” in question here. (Hint: it isn’t Stephen Sondheim.)
“The Man” (known for his litigious nature) is before us, after a long career, to finally tell us his story, albeit in a low-budget kind of way that is clearly irksome to him. Fouracres is haughty, even contemptuous of his audience tonight.
Like a Parisian opera house, he’s haunted – he’s been unable to recapture the success of his early works, and his confidence, born of privilege and an elite education, is starting to waver.
Whilst there’s an amount of delusion to go with his arrogance, Fouracres succeeds in making “the man” a rounded character for whom we can feel a measure of scorn, or pity. (But, he’s filthy rich, so don’t cry for him, Fairfax Studio)
Glimmers of self-awareness peek through as the man acknowledges some foibles and missteps, earning good laughter. However, there were plenty of laughs resulting from the man’s excesses too. There’s also a thread on how a whitegood intervened in the man’s fortunes. This has such a mythical quality, it sounds too amazing to be true.
The musical numbers that illustrate the man’s successes and misadventures are snappy, with melodies that whisper suggestions of the source material, whilst avoiding any pesky issues of copyright infringement. That delicate dance in itself is a testament to the nous and almost-feline musical dexterity of Flo and Joan.
The only quibble is that at various times Fouracres’ lowest notes were hard to discern through the musical backing. I suspect this cost us the chance to appreciate some snappy lines and zingers.
This aside, F&J fans will be pleased to get another dose of their trademark snark in a well-polished show that smoothly zooms along like some kind of futuristic train.
Punters should delay their departure at the finale to take in the “mega mix” – a condensed version of some of the show’s best musical gags. It’s a great end to a highly enjoyable show that’s more than able to rock the cynics.
Flo & Joan starring George Fouracres – One Man Musical
Fairfax Studio – Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Performance: Tuesday 1 April 2025 – 8.00pm
Season continues to 20 April 2025
Bookings: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au
For more information, visit: www.comedyfestival.com.au for details.
Image: One Man Musical (supplied)
Review: Jason Whyte