Comedic actor Pete Rowsthorn is best known as Brett Craig, Kim’s husband, on the classic Australian TV show Kath and Kim. In Smooth and Wrinkly, he collabs with his 23-year-old daughter Frankie, a comedian and radio presenter.

Pete was the first to appear on stage, full of energy as he tried to warm the audience up. His crowd work, however, wasn’t great; rather than exploring the comic possibilities in one or two audience members’ answers to his questions the opening segment dragged on as he asked too many people questions. Despite some entertaining moments, Pete’s material seemed a bit haphazard and unpolished. He is at his best when doing physical comedy – mimicking other people, putting on amusing facial expressions and using his whole body for comic effect. The highlight of his act was when he discussed the celebrities he’d met on the set of Kath and Kim (a re-enactment of meeting Kylie Minogue was very funny).

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After being introduced by her father Frankie Rowsthorn performed a solo spot. Her material was better than her father’s, and she was edgy and surprising. When she imitated the typically vacuous speech of a school captain on graduation day, the portrayal was spot on. Wisely, she drew on material that reflected her own life experience. Similarly, a bit about seeing her parents kiss were authentic and amusing. She’s genuinely funny, with her own perspective on the world.

Frankie has a lot of potential for a bright career, but the A4 notepad on a stool alongside her with a list of topics she needed to cover took away the illusion of spontaneity. This should have been something her more experienced father gave her a stern warning against. Let’s face it – when a show’s properly rehearsed, a shopping list isn’t necessary.

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In the middle of the show, Pete ran a Kath and Kim quiz, and continuing to involve the audience was a positive. This was followed by father and daughter reminiscing about their experience as contestants on The Amazing Race Australia (Celebrity Edition). But this seemed more like a casual conversation, rather than a well thought out routine with snappy banter. Near the end of the show, there was a burlesque dance number, with a twist.

Between them, Pete and Frankie Rowsthorn have the skills to produce a high-quality show. However, they need to rely less on the magic of spontaneity and put more thought into the content of their material and the structure of the show, including the length and impact of each segment. There’s a difference between allowing space for spontaneity and just being underprepared.

Pete and Frankie Rowsthorn – Smooth and Wrinkly played at The Factory at The Garden of Unearthly Delights from February 24 – March 1