COMEDY: MICALLEF & CURRY DO COOK & MOORE

For all those readers who weren’t around during the 60s and 70s, Peter Cook and Dudley Moore were two of the best comics you could find. Their sketches hit the political line and their influence stretched on for all those who would follow in their footsteps. Cook and Moore last performed in Sydney back in 1972 and now two of the country’s best comedians of this generation: Stephen Curry (star of Australian films The Castle and The King) and Shaun Micallef (host of Network Tens Talkin’ ’Bout Your Generation) are bringing back these classic works.

Curry, taking a break from his film and television roles for this foray to stage says he was always a fan of the classic comics. “Probably in terms of the 60s and 70s they changed the face of comedy,” he says. “Through the years they really carved a niche as two of the most popular and influential comedians of their time.”

Micallef is also a self-confessed comedy geek. “I grew up listening to Peter Cook and Dudley Moore LPs. I knew them by heart.” “He’s a real student of Cook and Moore,” Curry says talking of Micallef. “He has wanted to do this show for a long time. Basically he did all the work, got all the rights for it and put together the whole show.” “This is my small but sincere thank you to two of the greats,” Micallef states.

That being said, Curry and Micallef will be showcasing the most well-known and popular sketches of the comedy powerhouse in their show titled Good Evening; a name that heralds back the title of Cook and Moore’s Broadway debut. Good Evening will include such classics as One Leg Too Few, The Great Train Robbery and The Frog and Peach. When asked about how the material will be shown to audiences Curry is quick to note, “We are basically presenting their material in an original way and with our own characters. I don’t think you serve the material and audience well trying to do an homage.” However the comedian does note the responsibility of making a show such as this happen. “Well, there’s a bit of responsibility there I suppose. We don’t want to bastardise the material (for fans) but we also need to make it accessible to a younger audience. So in that, our presentation has to toe that line.”

If there have ever been two comedians to do justice to these comic legends, it would be Curry and Micallef. But why should you care about all this? Because if you don’t, Stephen himself has laid down a promise. “If you don’t come I will find you and I will kill you.” Just another reason to check out some quality Australian talent at its absolute best.

Dec 2-20, Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House, $49.90-59.90, 9250 7777, or www.sydneyoperahouse.com

BY ADAM GUETTI