Comedy Festival 2018: Michelle Brasier & Laura Frew lead us on a nonsensical adventure in Double Denim Adventure Show ★★★½

ALL aboard as the extremely funny dynamic duo Michelle Brasier & Laura Frew lead us on an ocean voyage of nonsensical adventure full of song, stupidity and a love of happy endings.

OVER the seas we go on what is supposed to be a luxury holiday cruise for two stressed out suburban mums, but within minutes Michelle Brasier and Laura Frew have contorted a simple idea into a deliriously raucous slice of fruitcake comedy.

Their rollercoaster ride of inspired idiocy takes place on a performance space that includes a tiny stage and single-twist spiral staircase, where much of the action and many dramatic exits take place.

Michelle Brasier and Laura Frew in Double Denim Adventure Show.

Decked out in upbeat denim concoctions topped off with shoes that have their own multi-coloured lighting system, the two waste no time generating a feverish comic chemistry that is infectious and warm, even when they are at each other’s throats.

AN HOUR NOT ENOUGH FOR KITTY FLANAGAN’S COMEDY GOLD MINE

ZOË COOMBS MARR: THIS CROWD RELATIONSHIP GOING THE DISTANCE

A clever piece of audience participation recreates the treacherous storm that strands the pair on a remote island — and that is pretty much where any pretence of a plot ends.

Instead, they launch into skits about condoms and canteen ladies while belting out songs, including one thoughtful ditty about “keeping secrets from myself”. There’s also a touch of scatting, so those with an aversion to this sub-type of jazz are duly warned, and, in the show’s only real stumble, a poem about a famous action movie star that’s a tad too slow for a show this fast.

Michelle Brasier and Laura Frew in Double Denim Adventure Show.

Though Double Denim is essentially a merry crash of comic ideas with only a vague sense of structure, it does have a through line about long-term friendship.

Michelle, the louder of the two (by half a decibel) and who seems to enjoy repeatedly mounting the staircase banister, is wondering whether it is time for her to explore other friendships. Laura is distraught.

JASON BYRNE: MASTER OF IMPROV RELIABLY BRILLIANT

DEANNE SMITH: BANK ON MONEY, SEX AND DEATH

This theme allows the pair to tie up their high-energy package of shambolic shenanigans with a very pleasing, somewhat touching bow.

Daffy, ditzy and a little bit dirty, anyone who can get through thirty seconds of this fabulous show without emitting at least one hearty chuckle might need to check for a pulse.

Michelle Brasier & Laura Frew, Double Denim Adventure Show

Belleville, cnr Swanston and Little Bourke sts (entrance via Globe Alley), 9.45pm, until April 22.

comedyfestival.com.au