Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre turned into a laughter-filled haven on Thursday evening, with the opening of Neil Simon’s classic comedy, ‘The Odd Couple’. Guests including Todd Woodbridge, Rhonda Burchmore and Pettifleur Berenger, witnessed the comedic genius of Shane Jacobson as Oscar Madison, and Todd McKenney as Felix Ungar.
As the audience settled in their seats, little did they know that they were about to embark on a rollercoaster ride of hilarity and wit. From the moment Shane Jacobson’s character Oscar made his grand entrance, it was clear that we were in for a night of non-stop laughter. His slovenly ways and quick-witted banter had the audience in stitches, while Todd McKenney’s character Felix added a touch of neurotic charm to the mix.
The chemistry between the two leads was undeniable, and their comedic timing was spot on. Whether they were bickering over household chores or navigating the complexities of their newfound living arrangement, Shane and Todd had the audience hanging on to every word.
The set for The Odd Couple was like stepping into a time machine back to my grandma’s living room – complete with a fat back television and 1960’s decor. But when Lucy Durack and Penny McNamee sauntered in as the Pigeon sisters, the energy skyrocketed! Cecily, played by Lucy, a divorcee, and Gwendolyn, a widow, brought a whole new level of sass and charm to the stage.
As the ladies joined Oscar and Felix for dinner, chaos ensued. Oscar’s attempts at charm fell flat as he stumbled around in the kitchen, while Felix spilled his heart out about his family woes. Despite Oscar’s doubts, Felix’s vulnerability had the ladies eating out of the palm of his hand.
It was a hilarious mix of comedy and heart, with the Pigeon sisters adding a delightful twist to the classic tale. And as the night wore on, it became clear that sometimes it’s not about being smooth or suave – it’s about being real and honest. And Felix had that in spades.
The Odd Couple was a night to remember and for me was the funniest production I’ve ever seen. With its timeless humour and relatable characters, it’s no wonder that Neil Simon’s classic comedy continues to entertain audiences around the world. So, if you’re in need of a good laugh, be sure to catch this production at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre. Trust me, your stomach will thank you.
By Melinda Sullivan
For tickets and more information please visit https://theoddcoupleplay.com.au/tickets/melbourne/
