Abbott! The Musical: The Joke That Is Australian Politics Has Never Been So Much Fun – Adelaide Fringe Review

Tandanya Theatre, Wed 24 Feb Set in the last year of Tony Abbott's political reign, Abbott! The Musical shows the downfall of Australia’s 28th Prime Minister at the hands of his two trusted advisors and a rogue marble coffee table. Even though this version of events features rollicking musical numbers and a soapy romantic subplot, the funniest part is that the drama doesn’t even need to be manufactured. The show weaves the vast range of political gaffes we’ve been subjected to in recent years into a cohesive, razor-sharp script. To help the audience differentiate between fact and fiction a giant sign in the middle of the stage lights up at every direct quote. It’s hilarious, and also strangely sad, to see just how much of the dialogue comes from real life. Subtle at times, overt at others, the consistency of the jokes is impressive. Even the obvious gags, like multiple references to housewives and wisdom pills in the butt, generate big laughs. The casting is outstanding, with the actors establishing their character through body language, if not looks. Tony Abbott was a masterclass in mimicry and Malcom Turnbull nails the smug, charismatic, Machiavellian manipulator in a way that suddenly makes me vaguely nervous for the future. The songs were perfectly integrated and added an extra layer of oomph to the show, but the performers unfortunately struggled with technical issues. In many of the songs the lyrics were completely drowned out by the music, which lost a lot of the comedic momentum. In the end though, I didn’t care. This is a show for people who like to stay up to watch the leadership spill with a big bowl of popcorn and an even bigger glass of wine. Australian politics has never been so fun. Nikki Mott Abbott! The Musical continues at Tandanya Theatre, at various times, until Sat 5 Mar. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.