Jonathan Biggins as Paul Keating THE END OF THE WHARF AS WE KNOW IT (c) Vishal Pandey

Tuesday 12 November 2024

Review by Paul Neeson (Arts Wednesday)

It is with mixed emotions that we say farewell to a 25 year old theatre institution, the Wharf Revue. Writers Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe and Phillip Scott have decided to call it a day to “spend more time with family” and not think about the hilarious side of politics. Over the years they have highlighted (or gaslighted?) the pomposity, hypocrisy and general silliness of Federal and international politics with a song and dance and exacting impersonation, not to mention some fabulous frocks, wigs and mannerisms. And in their final ever show and they did not disappoint.

And who better to introduce the show than Paul Keating (one of Biggins’ iconic characters). In this edition the two highlights were a credible Pauline Hanson (Drew Forsythe) complete with a constant mashing of the English language and Jacqui Lambie as the MC of the Midwinter Ball (Mandy Bishop) in a Tina Turner style glittering miniskirt.

Drew Forsythe as Hanson THE END OF THE WHARF AS WE KNOW IT (c) Vishal Pandey

There were two great ensemble performances also. Firstly Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard and Albo meet up in a nightclub in their university days and who should come along but Bob Hawke to tell them that they could all become Prime Minister one day…except you Julia!

Mandy Bishop as Jacqui Lambie THE END OF THE WHARF AS WE KNOW IT (c) Vishal Pandey

Rupert Murdoch makes an appearance as a cross between Smithers from the Simpsons and a Thunderbirds puppet. And he summons none other than my favourite, Peter Dutton (David Whitney has his character and mannerisms down to a tea) and Bridget Archer, the latter innocently and unsuccessfully arguing against Murdoch’s want for nuclear power.

David Whitney as Homer as Dutton, Mandy Bishop as Lisa as Bridget Archer THE END OF THE WHARF AS WE KNOW IT (c) Vishal Pandey

While the portrayal of Miriam Margolyes (Mad Dykes and Englishmen) was done to perfection, the other characters in that scene (Joanna Lumley, King Charles) weren’t quite up to the usual standard. Add to that one too many fart jokes and it all felt flat, a little dated, a bit of ‘a dad joke’.

The Wharf Revue usually includes a more serious musical number that tugs on a heartstring and a political ideology or two. The ode to America didn’t live up to their high standard, partly because of the sound mix muddied the lyrics under a loud band and partly because of its positioning in the middle of the show rather than the usual place towards the end. The accompanying slide show (Todd Decker) nevertheless saved the day.

The spontaneous multiple standing ovations were well deserved. The crowd I suspect was full of partisan regulars and they were there to farewell their heroes. The question remains though: is this really the last show, or will we see more farewell tours than Cold Chisel? Or indeed who will take up the mantle now?

Times running out so get your tickets now. Season runs until 23 December followed by an extensive regional tour.