By Jonathan Biggins,
Drew Forsythe and Phillip Scott
Sydney Theatre
Company production
The Playhouse,
Canberra Theatre Centre to 23 November
Reviewed by Len Power
12 November 2019
Much more enlightening than a Freedom of Information
request, The Wharf Revue is back in town. Once again, no politician from here or
overseas is safe from their merciless spotlight and the high quality of script,
performances and production ensures that audiences will not be disappointed.
While two of the creators, Jonathan Biggins and Phillip
Scott, don’t appear on stage in this edition, their fingerprints are all over
the show in terms of writing, direction and musical supervision. Writer and performer, Drew Forsythe, is back and
also co-directs. Simon Burke makes a
welcome return to the company and is joined by the formidably talented Lena
Cruz, Helen Dallimore and Andrew Worboys, who is also the musical director.
 |
| Simon Burke and Drew Forsythe |
Simon Burke does a better Scott Morrison than Scott Morrison
and Drew Forsythe has a fat lot of fun with Clive Palmer. Boris Johnson gets the works from Simon Burke
and Lena Cruz and Helen Dallimore are hysterical as Penny Wong and Jacqui
Lambie singing ‘Sisters’ in a sauna.
 |
| Lena Cruz and Helen Dallimore |
Lena Cruz really scores in a perceptive segment about Aung
Sun Suu Kyi and Drew Forsythe said farewell to Bob Hawke in a particularly well-written
and ultimately affectionate tribute. Kristina
Keneally, Mark Latham, Cardinal George Pell and various world leaders were not
spared by this wicked team. Drew Forsythe
only has to walk out on stage and stand there as Pauline Hanson to bring the house
down.
Wig stylist, Margaret Aston, has done excellent work with
the many wigs worn by the cast and the large number of costumes have been
well-chosen as well.
Using many songs from well-known Broadway shows with expertly
changed lyrics, the musical elements of the show work very well especially with
such experienced musical performers in the cast.
The fluid direction ensures that the show moves at a fast
pace on an attractively designed set by Charles Davis with cleverly designed and
witty projections by Ben Lightowlers.
The show runs for 90 minutes without interval. The smart scripting keeps each of the
segments short enough to make their point but not so long as to overstay their
welcome. It was surprising how quickly
those 90 minutes passed.
It’s been announced that next year’s Wharf Revue will be the
last. It’s become such an institution
that it will be sorely missed. Get along
to see this very entertaining show while you still can.
Photos by Brett
Boardman
Len Power’s reviews
are also broadcast on the Artsound FM 92.7 ‘In the Foyer’ program on Mondays
and Wednesdays at 3.30pm.
