A very zany, off-the-wall Morecombe and Wise/Monty Python style comedy duo
Overall
Reviewed at the National Wine Centre on 7 March 2019
Presented by Janet A McLeod
Dan Lees and Neil Frost are the British comedy duo The Establishment. How does one describe them? Off-the-wall, zany, crazy, very funny – Monty Python teaming up with a very modern day Morecombe and Wise (on steroids). How does one describe their show, Le Bureau De Strange ? Off-the-wall (almost in the middle of the room), zany, crazy, very funny – and very STRANGE (but in a good way).
The show’s theme is incredibly simple: let’s make it up as we go along (or do they?). This is where Lees’ and Frost’s brilliance and expertise come into play. The majority of this so-called bedlam is very carefully and cleverly scripted, with some expert improvisation thrown in for good measure.
These two comic geniuses know how to read each other and, more importantly, how to read and work the audience they are performing for at the time. It is always dangerous to ask the audience a question to which you don’t know how they will answer, but The Establishment handle these situations of their own making with elan. Audience’s answers to such questions as “Sir, how would you like us to start the show?”, “What do you think is behind the curtain?” and “What sort of animal do you think we should hunt?” are all met with brilliant alacrity by this dynamic duo, and always with hilarious results.
This is a unique style of comedy that may not be everyone’s cup of tea – but maybe it should be. On the night reviewed, it was certainly the audience’s (and this reviewer’s) glass of champagne.
Who thinks I’ve started this review yet? (See the show before you answer!)
Reviewed by Brian Godfrey
Twitter: @briangods
Venue: Gallery Room at the National Wine Centre
Season: Until 17 March 2019
Duration: 55 mins
Tickets: $23 – $26
