If you were worried that laying off the bottle would weaken Fiona O’Loughlin’s comedic power then think again. In On A Wing and A Prayer she proves she’s not just a funny drunk – she’s just funny.
To say that the past twelve months have been fairly full-on for Fiona O’Loughlin would be an understatement. She came a cropper on stage in Brisbane and has publicly outed herself as an alcoholic. The same day she started as a celebrity contestant on Dancing with the Stars was the same day she started her rehab program. As if facing Todd McKenny each week wasn’t hard enough – she did it all sober. And O’Loughlin doesn’t shy away from any of it in this show.
On A Wing and A Prayer is packed with O’Loughlin’s trademark autobiographical tales, or as she likes to call them “dinner party stories”. There’s less about her relaxed parenting style and more about adjusting to life a life of sobriety. Alcoholics Anonymous, family deaths and her own stuff-ups are all laid bare. But as you can imagine, this show steps into much deeper areas, areas that O’Loughlin hasn’t ventured into before. When O’Loughlin faces up to her alcoholism she has to explore all the darkness that comes with that; the shame of the night before and the repercussions of her own actions.
But at the core of every O’Loughlin show beats her incredibly huge heart. Her cutting jibes about her family, friends (even those she can’t stand) and the comedic fraternity are told with affection and warmth. O’Loughlin’s relaxed stage presence and her excellent timing makes her performance seem effortless but despite her casual demeanour there’s no doubt she’s an utter professional on stage.
This show is a must for those who have followed O’Loughlin’s career as the 36 year-old Alice Springs mother of five new kid on the block to the familiar face we see on our television screens and on stage. And those who like their comedy with a little bit more depth and some raw emotional honesty won’t be disappointed.
O’Loughlin may be sober but she’s still the utterly hilarious, thoroughly likeable and plucky performer we’ve grown to love. Highly recommended.
For full details visit the Melbourne Comedy Festival website