[THEATRE]

Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre, Tue 20 Apr.

Jonathan Biggins and State Theatre Company SA present a minutely observed homage to one of Australia’s most colourful Prime Ministers. Having previously performed as Paul Keating in Sydney Theatre Company’s annual Wharf Revue, Jonathan has now built up an impeccable array of Keating mannerisms, including the cheek puffing, the slight stoop and the way he lowers himself into a chair. With clever lighting and makeup it feels at times as if the man himself is up there on the stage.

Written by Biggins with reference to Keating’s own words and reflections by Don Watson, Keating’s former speech writer and biographer, and ABC journalist Kerry O’Brien, we learn about Keating’s early life, his entry into politics, his time as Treasurer and finally as Prime Minister. We are given a roll call of the major players during his time in office and a withering assessment of those since. Many of Keating’s famous barbs are revived, much to the delight of the audience, and we are also strenuously reminded of Keating’s many political achievements and the subsequent influence he had on Australia.

The biographical approach is strong throughout the 90 minute performance, but so too is the sense of play you’d expect from such an experienced satirical actor as Biggins. In Keating’s own terminology, Biggins does “throw the switch to Vaudeville” at times. There are songs, there is dancing, there is pathos, bravado and many laughs and sniggers. Occasionally the show becomes more Biggins than Keating – it is difficult to imagine Keating belting out That’s Life on the floor of The House. But it’s all part of the fun!

This play will especially appeal to those who lived through the Keating era – and if this is your age bracket make sure you don’t miss this wickedly incisive but hilarious appraisal of the politician ‘we had to have’ or is that ‘we were lucky to have’ – by a stellar performer.

5 stars

Cathy Tune

The Gospel According To Paul continues at Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre, at various times, until Sat 1 May.

Bookings at statetheatrecompany.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.

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[THEATRE] Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre, Tue 20 Apr. Jonathan Biggins and State Theatre Company SA present a minutely observed homage to one of Australia’s most colourful Prime Ministers. Having previously performed as Paul Keating in Sydney Theatre Company’s annual Wharf Revue, Jonathan has now built up an impeccable array of Keating mannerisms, including the cheek puffing, the slight stoop and the way he lowers himself into a chair. With clever lighting and makeup it feels at times as if the man himself is up there on the stage. Written by Biggins with reference to Keating’s own words and reflections by Don Watson, Keating’s former speech writer and biographer, and ABC journalist Kerry O’Brien, we learn about Keating’s early life, his entry into politics, his time as Treasurer and finally as Prime Minister. We are given a roll call of the major players during his time in office and a withering assessment of those since. Many of Keating’s famous barbs are revived, much to the delight of the audience, and we are also strenuously reminded of Keating’s many political achievements and the subsequent influence he had on Australia. The biographical approach is strong throughout the 90 minute performance, but so too is the sense of play you’d expect from such an experienced satirical actor as Biggins. In Keating’s own terminology, Biggins does “throw the switch to Vaudeville” at times. There are songs, there is dancing, there is pathos, bravado and many laughs and sniggers. Occasionally the show becomes more Biggins than Keating – it is difficult to imagine Keating belting out That’s Life on the floor of The House. But it’s all part of the fun! This play will especially appeal to those who lived through the Keating era – and if this is your age bracket make sure you don’t miss this wickedly incisive but hilarious appraisal of the politician ‘we had to have’ or is that ‘we were lucky to have’ – by a stellar performer. 5 stars Cathy Tune The Gospel According To Paul continues at Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre, at various times, until Sat 1 May. Bookings at statetheatrecompany.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets. #ClotheslineMag #StateTheatreCompanySA

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Catherine Tune

Wickedly incisive and hilarious

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