By arts editor HELEN MUSA

Further to our report that former Seeker Keith Potger will be joining Moya Simpson and John Shortis in the show 1966 and All That, news is to hand that the Friday evening performance has now sold out, prompting Smith’s Alternative to open a second performance on Sunday, September 6.

The Braidwood performance at the National Theatre on Saturday, September 5, is selling well, but there are still tickets available.

The title 1966 and All That is a take-off of W.C. Sellar and R.J. Yeatman’s popular spoof of English history, 1066 and All That.

So why 1966? Because, the trio say, it marks the 60th anniversary of a year when pop music changed forever.

Two landmark Beatles albums, Rubber Soul and Revolver, were at the heart of a new direction in music. Instead of simply “yeah, yeah, yeah”, experimentation was leading the way. The Beach Boys responded with Pet Sounds, while new artists such as Cream, Hendrix and The Doors were also pushing musical boundaries.

Together, the trio, who have performed together in the series Under the Influence, will take a look at this year from their own three viewpoints.

Simpson was a ‘mod’ in the midst of Swinging London, hearing the music live and following the fashions. Shortis, never so cool, was in Wollongong belting out Beatles songs on the piano.

And, of course, Potger’s group The Seekers was topping the charts around the world, even keeping The Beatles from the number one spot, and performing on the same bill at Wembley.

Here in Australia, our currency went decimal, Bob Menzies passed the prime ministerial baton to Harold Holt, who went “all the way with LBJ”, and Opera House designer Jørn Utzon was given his marching orders.

With a swag of songs and stories, the performers promise humour, poignancy, surprising information and a dash of satire.

1966 and All That, National Theatre Braidwood, Wallace Street, September 5. Bookings here.

Smith’s Alternative, September 4, sold out, September 6, bookings here.

Nostalgic and witty look at 1966

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