What does a boat have in common with a woman? Well, they both use the same pronouns, men are weird about both of them, and – let’s be real – they can both be sexy. Enter Motorboat, a half woman, half boat, who is really all boat, chugging along on the power of boobs.

If you’ve ever come across the born sexy yesterday trope, then Motorboat fits it to a T. She’s naïve in the most innocent (and intentionally ridiculous) way, completely enchanted by her “Captain Daddy,” and follows him around unquestioningly. All she knows is what she’s been told by Captain Daddy and he’s made it very clear that any attempt at self-awareness might – gasp – make her unattractive. Because let’s face it, she’s gorgeous, she’s sexy, and as long as she stays at the dock under the watchful eye of Captain Daddy, she’s safe from the horrors of knowledge and growth. Captain Daddy frequently visits her, offering sweet promises of grand adventures out on the high seas, but despite his assurances that one day they’ll leave the jetty, that day never seems to come.

But of course, the show isn’t about watching her stay at the dock, is it? No – we’re here to watch Motorboat’s very first journey into the great blue unknown. Alone, in the middle of a storm, she must learn to navigate the waves – not just of the ocean, but of self-discovery. You can bet she’s going to need to learn quickly if she hopes to survive this voyage, and when things go wrong (which, spoiler alert, they will), she’ll have to figure out how to get her motor going. You know, both literally and metaphorically.

This show is an absolute feast of innuendo, with enough motorboating to keep you chuckling for days and boat-related puns that will make you wonder how on earth Mel managed to fit them all in. It’s impossible not to laugh at the utterly perfect performance as Motorboat, who has the Betty Boop-esque big-eyed, wide-stare of innocence mixed with a hint of something more… suggestive. She’s naïve, sweet, and ridiculously charming in her complete ignorance of the world beyond her dock. She repeats everything her “Captain Daddy” tells her, no questions asked, including such gems as the idea that women can’t go on boats and that his real problems stem from his “bitch wife.” It’s an absurd journey of self-discovery where, beneath the sexual innuendo and ridiculous antics, there’s an oddly wholesome message about independence and the importance of learning who you are beyond the influence of others.

The show really leans into the silly side, with a playful, almost childlike quality, while still managing to carry some surprisingly poignant moments. You can see how Motorboat slowly starts to challenge the role that’s been assigned to her, and in that process, she learns not just about boats but about herself.

After an enthusiastic Q&A session on all things boats, Motorboat finally decides she’s had enough of the dock life. It’s time to cast off, embark on her own journey, and figure out what the world beyond the shore looks like. With the crowd cheering her on, she sets sail on her first real adventure, which is as thrilling as it is hilarious.

At its core, Motorboat is a show about growth, independence, and finding your own path. It’s silly, it’s raunchy, and it’s sweet, all wrapped up in the most absurd and thinly-veiled analogy about discovering your body. Whether you’re there for the laughs, the laughs with hidden meanings, or just the sheer absurdity of it all, you’re guaranteed a fun time. So, prepare to set sail on a ridiculous voyage where, ultimately, it’s all about learning to go where the wind (or motor) takes you.

Recommended drink: A Mai Tai, it’s playful and sexy – just like Motorboat!

Performances of Motorboat have now concluded at the Adelaide Fringe.