A musical romp through the life of ex-Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen, the Queensland icon who set state politics alight, Jute Theatre Company and Brisbane Powerhouse in association with Queensland Music Festival presents Joh for PM – currently playing at the Brisbane Powerhouse until 15 July, before heading to the Centre of Contemporary Arts Cairns from 4 August 2017.
Bjelke-Petersen was Queensland’s longest serving, longest-lived, most quotable Premier. He was one of the best-known and most controversial political figures of 20th century Australia. The musical comedy satirises the bizarre events that occurred in Australian politics during his reign.
Set at a fundraiser for Joh in 1987, audiences will want to sing along to original tunes such as Pumpkin Scone Diplomacy, Feeding the Chooks and the most catchy political song ever, Joh for PM.
Award-winning playwright Stephen Carleton (The Narcissist, Bastard Territory) and Off-Broadway composer Paul Hodge (Clinton: The Musical) have taken inspiration from these historic events to create one of the best musicals to come out of Queensland.
Directed by Brisbane Powerhouse Artistic Director, Kris Stewart, Joh for PM stars Colin Lane (Lano and Woodley), and Chloe Dallimore (Singin’ in the Rain, The Producers) Barb Lowing (Tequila Mockingbird, Motherland), Kurt Phelan (Dirty Dancing), Simon Burvill-Holmes, and Stephen Hirst – this is set to be a show like never before.
Director Kris Stewart says it doesn’t get much more Queensland than this. “We don’t get too many home grown productions in Queensland and I think this cheeky take on local and global politics will be a real hit,” says Stewart. “Queensland audiences are in for a treat.”
This toe-tapping, hilarious cautionary tale will resonate with Queenslanders who lived through the Joh era, as well as those who are yet to learn about this colourful time in our State’s history.
Director: Kris Stewart Featuring: Colin Lane, Chloe Dallimore, Barb Lowing, Kurt Phelan, Simon Burvill-Holmes, Stephen Hirst Book & Lyrics: Stephen Carleton Music & Lyrics: Paul Hodge Designer: Anthony Spinaze Lighting Designer: Jason Glenwright Music Supervisor & Orchestrator: James Dobinson Choreographer: Dan Venz
Joh for PM
Powerhouse Theatre – Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington Street, New Farm
Season continues to 15 July 2017
Information and Bookings: www.brisbanepowerhouse.org
JUTE Theatre – Centre of Contemporary Arts Cairns, 96 Abbott Street, Cairns
Season: 4 – 19 August 2017
Information and Bookings: www.centre-of-contemporary-arts-cairns.com.au
Image: Joh Bjelke-Petersen (supplied)