Colin Lane
Australian Comedian, Actor and Television Performer
Colin Lane is a celebrated Australian comedian, actor, writer, and television performer best known as one half of the iconic comedy duo Lano and Woodley. With a career spanning more than two decades, Colin Lane has become one of Australia’s most recognised and respected comedy entertainers.
Known for his sharp comedic timing, energetic performances, and memorable stage presence, Colin Lane has achieved major success in live comedy, television, theatre, and touring productions both in Australia and internationally.
The Success of Lano and Woodley
Colin Lane began performing with fellow comedian Frank Woodley during the mid-1980s after meeting through theatresports. Their early performances included appearances at comedy venues across Australia and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe alongside friend Scott Casley under the name Found Objects.
Following Casley’s departure in 1992, Colin Lane and Frank Woodley continued as the comedy duo Lano and Woodley, quickly becoming one of Australia’s most successful live comedy acts.
Their first major production, Fence, debuted in 1993 and toured nationally, winning the Moosehead Award for Best Act at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. The show later achieved international success at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where it won the prestigious Perrier Comedy Award in 1994.
Over the years, Lano and Woodley created a series of highly successful live shows including Curtains, Glitzy, Slick, Bruiser, The Island, and their farewell production Goodbye.
Television and Entertainment Career
Colin Lane and Frank Woodley also enjoyed major television success with their comedy series The Adventures of Lano and Woodley, which premiered on the ABC in 1997.
The television series followed the fictional lives of the comedy duo sharing a suburban Melbourne apartment and quickly became a cult favourite. The show aired for two seasons and was broadcast in 38 countries around the world.
In addition to their television series, the duo co-hosted the televised Melbourne Comedy Gala in 2000 and released a live television special based on their stage show The Island.
Lano and Woodley also expanded into music and publishing with the release of the comedy album Lano & Woodley Sing Songs and the novel Housemeeting.
Farewell Tour and Legacy
In 2006, after nearly 20 years performing together, Colin Lane and Frank Woodley announced they would part ways to pursue new creative opportunities.
The pair completed a final national tour with their farewell live show Goodbye, performing across 37 Australian cities and celebrating one of the most successful comedy partnerships in Australian entertainment history.
Why Audiences Love Colin Lane
Colin Lane is admired for his quick wit, expressive comedy style, and ability to connect with audiences through physical comedy and sharp humour. His work with Lano and Woodley helped shape modern Australian comedy, and his contribution to live entertainment continues to influence comedians and performers across the industry.
