SHORTIS & Simpson’s new cabaret “A Strong Constitution” delves into the history of that notoriously dull but important document with short ditties inspired by the sections of the Australian Constitution.

Shortis on keyboard is the writer of the show and plays himself as a policy wonk deeply fascinated by the minutiae of the language of the Constitution, while Simpson is the saucy chanteuse who performs his work with a roll of the eye: “not my bedtime reading”.

Part history lesson and part parody, we are taken through a constitutional greatest hits touching upon topics such as the Franklin Dam controversy, the Marriage Equality Act, and inevitably the Dismissal (John Kerr is “the very model of a modern governor general”, “a live encyclopaedia of substance alcoholical”).

The cabaret is being performed at the National Archives as part of Constitution Day celebrations, and is accompanied by a rare public viewing of the constitutional documents, including the humble Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900 and the more elaborate Royal Commission of Assent signed by Queen Victoria.

The ink on these papers is now so faded from exposure to light that their appearances are rationed out.  Even in a dim room, the cloth on the display case could only be briefly doffed for us to examine these important documents.

“A Stronger Constitution” is not caustic, celebrating the constitution’s achievement rather than mocking its shortcomings.  This was light, fun entertainment for a crowd deeply invested in Australia’s post-Federation history.