David Woodland

Notes

Media Library, Please visit: www.vimeo.com/davidwoodland Vocal Range: Baritone G2 - G4 Reviews for “Wittenberg” performed at the Old Fitz, January 2014 “This is an absolutely brilliant play, brimming full of references to philosophy, psychology, theology and literature.” “The direction is simple but precise, driving the show along at a rollicking speed, theological arguments and all. And while the whole cast is excellent, special credit must go to David Woodland, who is totally brilliant as Faustus. He is absolutely on point with his portrayal of the doctor as a charismatic dedicated devil’s advocate, believable both when he is delivering academic lectures on philosophy to conducting pseudo-Freudian psychoanalysis to pleading with his mistress to marry him to playing the ukulele in his local bar. The scene where he and Luther get drunk together and argue about the problem of purgatory while throwing peanuts at each other is perfect.” -Australian Stage David Woodland's Faustus is rogue academic sexiness incarnate and he plays a mean ukulele. -Jason Blake, SMH Hilliar has pulled together quite a luminous ensemble of cast and creatives. Both David Woodland, as Faustus, and Nick Curnow, as Luther, not only tick the boxes for what at least used to be considered standard equipment for actors (diction and projection), but flesh out their characters such that they become both believable and relatable. We can begin to have sympathy for both, regardless of how much we agree or disagree with their views and arguments. -Lloyd Bradford Syke “David Woodland as John Faustus is exceptional and in a league of his own. His musical interludes on the ukulele make it all worthwhile.” -Stage Whispers “Performances are consistently strong, and all actors seem to be very thoroughly rehearsed. Intentions are clear, and their control over their tricky lines are very accomplished. David Woodland’s performance however, is completely show stealing. His portrayal of John Faustus is charismatic, committed and irresistibly convincing. He has a fearless approach that effervesces unceasingly, and he resonates strongly at every turn. We hear his points of view clearly, and we empathise with his vulnerabilities.” -suzygoessee.com “David Woodland rises to the Faustus challenge with a charismatic elegance, painting Faustus as an intellectual rogue, his causal manner masking a fierce mental independence that borders on reactionary. Passion belongs to love – everything else is open to debate in Woodland’s Faustus. Woodland navigates the shifting sands of his characters moods and ideas smoothly, giving over the appearance of control admirable in all those skilled at making their feisty point.” -Lisa Thatcher “Under Richard Hilliar’s direction, the Brevity Theatre cast tackle Wittenberg with brio. It’s a tough script, demanding complex diction and on-the-mark timing. David Woodland delivers a charismatic and rebellious take on Faustus, while Nick Curnow is a commanding yet deeply perturbed Luther. Hilliar makes the most of the contrast. Their exchanges — whether comical or filled with ire — are edgy and real.” “Wittenberg is further evidence that Sydney would do well to roll out the red carpet in celebration of the company’s arrival. Having set out with the mission of “producing theatre told in a sharp and simple way”, they’re doing a fine job of achieving their intention.” -Concrete Playground “What a brilliant start to the year. This production by the Brevity Theatre Company in association with the Sydney Independent Theatre Company could well be one of the highlights in theatre for 2014.” “The casting was superb. David and Nick both accomplished actors brought out the very best from their characters, I certainly couldn't fault them. I doubt there is be many, if any productions of this play that will beat the standard of this performance”. -What’s on Sydney “David Woodland is the standout as the self-determined Dr Faustus. He fills the stage with an easy charisma, and manages the dialogue with aplomb. Woodland mixes devil’s advocacy with the enthusiasm of a spirited academic, giving balance to the Faustian hubris. There is a simple charm to Woodland and in this way he is Brevity’s Richard Roxburgh. (He also plays a mean ukulele).” -Dinner and a show “David Woodland does a wonderful job of bringing this likable and passionate rogue alive.” -Veronica Kaye “David Woodland is brilliant as Dr Faustus, his scene stealing performance is hilarious and riveting to watch.” -The Buzz from Sydney Reviews for “Heaven Help Us!” at the Bordello Room Kings Cross Hotel, Kings Cross, March 2014 The performances are excellent, everyone on top of their game and having a lot of fun with the show. David Woodland, always good, is a fabulous Devil, seductively OTT in his lace up faux leather, matching his talent for oozing sex appeal that he seems to bring to each of his performances (or is it just me?). He delivers Bosler’s great lines carefully and cleverly, most of the tongue-twisters end up his, tumbling out playful and clear. He is posited against the great Lyn Pierse as God and some of the best moments are when the two of them riff off each other, Pierse’s God being a patient, witty performance, commanding the stage in oversized shorts and a Hawaiian shirt. She performs Bosler’s words on a slow burn which works well, so that God develops throughout the play, a nice point of difference from Woodlands in-your-face Devil. The work between these two fine actors is one of the primary reasons to see the show, Pierse being such a well crafted talent, so it’s a little bit of Sydney theatre-watchers porn to see the pair engaged in some clever word play so close to the audience . – LISA THATCHER The highlight of the production are actors Lyn Pierse and David Woodland who seem to be able to “sing the phone book”. David Woodland plays the devil with a lot of flamboyance. His work is filled with tricks and techniques to prevent the character from ever becoming too plain. Woodland is a highly entertaining performer. – SUZYGOESSEE David Woodland exudes a sleazy charm as the prince of pandemonium, black leather clad and hairy chested hubris, a slinking, strutting Satan who marvels in mischief. There’s a nice detail in his devil. – DAVID KARY, SYDNEY ARTS GUIDE Reviews for “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest” performed at the Zenith Theatre Chatswood, November 2011 The key roles of Chief Bromden, Randle P McMurphy and Nurse Ratched dominate the play, as they do the film. Cheyne Flynn as the Chief, Dave Woodland as McMurphy and Suzy Wilds as Ratched drive the production impressively. Woodland’s McMurphy is a genial larrickin. A strong central acting ensemble portrays the inmates of the institution credibly, with sensitivity, generally balancing well on the fine line that could so easily take them over the top. Given that the film was one of those great cathartic experiences for me, an impact I just can’t hope to duplicate, that I was genuinely affected by this production is testimony to the talents and efforts of the Epicentre cast and crew. Neil Litchfield Stage Whispers 4/11/11 Dave Woodland impresses as one of the ultimate rebels, Randle P.McMurphy. This is a night in the theatre that works both as entertainment and as world class drama. This play really has it all! David Kary Sydney Arts Guide 9/11/11 The focal character Randle P. McMurphy was played stunningly by Dave Woodland, who, for some reason reminded me of Dennis Quaid, in a good way though, definitely in a good way. Nurse Ratched and McMurphy have great chemistry and some very intense exchanges that make for exciting viewing. Nini weekendnotes.com 4/11/11 This production is nevertheless strong and entertaining, thanks mainly to a fine lead performance from Dave Woodland as Randle McMurphy – the character that won Jack Nicholson his first Oscar. Woodland, as her nemesis, is a delight to watch. Hilariously crass, uninhibited and egotistical, in his hands McMurphy is also intuitively wise and genuinely, if roughly, kind – a complex mixture of elements always threatening to erupt. Jennie Sharpe ArtsHub 11/11/11