As someone who doesn’t see, review, or necessarily like a whole lot of comedy, putting my hand up to review Mel McGlensey is MOTORBOAT was a risky move. The vague two-sentence description under ‘About this event’ on the Fringe website really didn’t give me much to work with either. But in Adelaide Fringe I trust, and as the winner of Best Comedy at Adelaide Fringe in 2024, I thought, sure, why not give this a go?
When Mel McGlensey says she is Motorboat, she really is Motorboat—an 18-year-old boat who is stuck at the dock (grr) under strict instructions from Captain Daddy, a God-like figure whose ominous presence looms over. But Motorboat is sweet and inquisitive; she wants to make friends and have new experiences. Lucky for her, an audience of enablers is at her disposal, ready to accompany her on a journey of self-discovery.
From the get-go, it’s made clear that this show is a no-go for prudes or anyone who is averse to a sex joke. I never could’ve imagined just how many nautical sexual innuendos could possibly exist. Mel’s imagination appears to be limitless in this space, with each joke or insinuation masterfully delivered by her fully realised character.
Motorboat herself is brimming with personality and physicality, pointing to Mel’s background in clowning. A subtle scowl in the direction of the dock (an audience member) got me laughing each and every time. A perfect balance was struck between these subtleties that Mel has built into the character and the big orchestrated moments crucial to the storyline, creating a dynamic performance that the audience was absolutely fixated on. I don’t think I’ve seen such an engaged and willing audience in a long time! Mel practically had audience members begging to be involved (granted, this part was to perform actual motorboating), and almost everyone removed their shoes upon her request while touring the boat. Although the show is pretty high-octane, we do get some stiller moments where Mel sings, showing her beautiful voice with gorgeous clarity.
I’m also someone who loves a silly prop, and oh b(u)oy did Mel have plenty—all suitably themed, of course, like a blow-up champagne bottle to hit over her backside while setting off on her first voyage to sea! The simple yet effective design elements in this show are a dark horse, with plenty of immersive sound and lighting cues to keep Captain Daddy, Connor Dariol, on his toes.
In simultaneously putting me in and taking me out of my comfort zone, it was evident that Mel is an absolute seasoned professional who knows where her strengths lie. She is a pro at getting an audience on-side, which is one of the areas performers most struggle with. Mel McGlensey is MOTORBOAT is a show that under-promises (ref: two-line description) and over-delivers by a nautical mile. In conclusion, I’d like to thank the Below Deck franchise for aiding me in semi-understanding some of the boat references and also thank Mel McGlensey for delivering the best 9:15 Fringe slot I’ve seen to date. Another Best Comedy award is bound for you.
Mel McGlensey is MOTORBOAT is on at Fringe World until Feb 16.