News location:

Canberra Today 5°/10° | Saturday, April 20, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Review: Where the jokes come thick and fast

WHO would have thought politics could be so much fun? This edition of “The Wharf Revue” is clever, witty and very funny.

Cast members Jonathan Biggins, Amanda Bishop, Drew Forsyth and Simon Burke work their way expertly through a rapid-fire program of sketches playing just about every politician from the present and recent past as well as other Australian identities that all deserve a good roasting.

These seasoned actors can produce the essence of these well-known identities in an instant and their sense of timing is impeccable. Much of the fun is the surprise of seeing who they’ll play next. They’re all good singers, too.

There’s not one sketch here that falls flat. The writing is intelligent, well-constructed and the jokes come thick and fast.

The show is obviously updated as it tours. There was even a topical joke about Anna Burke and the faceless men on opening night.

David Bergman, the sound and video designer, has done exceptional work with some great video sequences that complement the live action. Lighting by Matthew Marshall creates a great atmosphere for the show. Andrew Worboys, the wild and wacky accompanist on piano, is also the show’s musical director. The well-designed set by Barry Searle incorporates an interesting optical illusion if you’re looking down on it from the theatre’s balconies.

The show is a delight from start to finish – and much more interesting than this year’s election ever was!

Who can be trusted?

In a world of spin and confusion, there’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in Canberra.

If you trust our work online and want to enforce the power of independent voices, I invite you to make a small contribution.

Every dollar of support is invested back into our journalism to help keep citynews.com.au strong and free.

Become a supporter

Thank you,

Ian Meikle, editor

Share this

Leave a Reply

Related Posts

Theatre

Holiday musical off to Madagascar

Director Nina Stevenson is at it again, with her company Pied Piper's school holiday production of Madagascar JR - A Musical Adventure, a family show with all the characters from the movie.

Follow us on Instagram @canberracitynews