THE WHARF REVUE - THE END OF THE WHARF AS WE KNOW IT. - The Canberra Theatre

 

Mandy Bishop as Jacqui Lambie entertaining at the Midwinter Ball.
Back: Phil Scott (Piano) - Jonathan Biggins (Bass) - David Whitney (drums)

Written by Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe, and Phillip Scott.

Directed by Jonathan Biggins and Phillip Scott.

Musical Director: Phillip Scott

Performed by Jonathan Biggins, Mandy Bishop, Drew Forsythe, Phillip Scott, and David Whitney.

Canberra Theatre 25^th October – 2^nd November 2024.

Opening night on 26^th October reviewed by BILL STEPHENS.

Another Opening - Phil Scott (piano) - Jonathan Biggins (bass) - David Whitney (drums)
Mandy Bishop and Drew Forsythe (foreground)

Given that the Wharf Revue had previously announced its demise a few years ago, then re-emerged, perhaps the clue to its future is in the title. Read carefully.

Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe, and Phillip Scott have been writing and performing editions of this revue for an incredible 25 years. During that time Mandy Bishop has become an essential component while David Whitney is a more recent addition to the team.

For this valedictory season they’re all on stage and in top form. While they could be forgiven for reprising a selection of their most memorable sketches, they have opted for all new material. Their satire is still razor-sharp, their caricatures and parodies still brilliantly conceived, skewering their victims with unerring accuracy.

Jonathan Biggins as Paul Keating introducing the show.

All the favourites are there. Paul Keating (Jonathan Biggins) introduces the show with a few well-chosen put-downs. Pauline Hanson (Drew Forsythe) takes the opportunity to debut her new cabaret act. Jacqui Lambie (Mandy Bishop) not only MC’s the Midwinter Ball in Parliament House but provides a floorshow dazzling enough to make Tina Turner envious, while David Whitney’s Peter Dutton is more like, well, Dutton than Dutton.

Mandy Bishop as Joanna Lumley - Phil Scott as Mirian Margolyes.

But this year there are new victims, among them Miriam Margolyes (Phil Scott), Joanna Lumley (Mandy Bishop), Phil Scott as a defiant Baby Boomer, and Jonathan Biggin’s glorious Tay Tay who you really need to see for yourself.

To give away more would be to risk spoiling the surprises but suffice to say that the production is as always, impeccable, the costumes spot on, and the performances side-splittingly hilarious.

Drew Forsythe as Pauline Hanson debuting her cabaret act. Phil Scott on piano.

If this, as promised, is really the end of the Wharf as we know it, then Canberra audiences are taking no chances. Their Opening Night performance was greeted with a prolonged standing ovation for this team of skilled entertainers who over the years have established and maintained such a high bar for the art of political satire in Australia. Don’t miss this final opportunity to celebrate them.

                                                         Photos by Vishal Pandey

   This review also published in AUSTRALIAN ARTS REVIEW. www.artsreview.com.au