Yes, you’re right, there never was a Gospel written by an apostle named Paul. This is a play about Australia’s 24th Prime Minister, Paul Keating.
Expecting to see a serious drama in the vein of Julia, I was pleasantly surprised when I found myself laughing just thirty seconds into the production. And the laughs only got louder and more uncontrollable from there.
Written and performed by Jonathan Biggins, this one-man show is a reminder of what politics was like in the good old days. When politicians had charisma and charm.
Love or loathe Paul Keating, he was a formidable figure on the Australian political landscape for twenty seven years. His career began in 1969 when he was elected to Parliament at the age of twenty five and ended in 1996 after serving as Prime Minister for six years.
He is remembered as a leader with exceptional debating skills and a willingness to boldly confront the social norms of his time. The media often described him as combative, abrasive and confrontational.
Biggins’ performance is dynamically hilarious as he navigates the audience through Keating’s political career in just ninety minutes. It’s a performance that explores both the man’s brashness and vulnerability.
Set in a parliamentary office, Biggins takes the audience back to Keating’s childhood, walking us through early memories and ambitions and his desire to follow in the footsteps of great leaders like Menzies and Churchill.
With the help of projected images of influential political figures, Biggins turns history into a comedy masterclass. One standout moment features a photo of Bob Hawke in his budgie smugglers, a sight that prompted a quick-witted audience member to shout out a hilarious one-liner.
Biggins’ wit, humour, and perfect timing take us through the eras of Prime Ministers from Bob Hawke to Malcolm Turnbull, with sharp jocularity and clever insights along the way. He even throws in some pointed commentary on current political leaders like Pauline Hanson and Anthony Albanese.
It is Keating’s love of music that Biggins uses to evoke some of the most heartfelt and entertaining moments of the production.
Sentimental musical pieces accompany various poignant moments in Keating’s life while juxtaposed with high-energy segments during times of triumph. One such scene included Biggins gyrating and hip-thrusting to Tom Jones’ Delilah.
A standout moment is a vaudeville number, complete with cane and boater hat, in which Biggins sings through Keating’s major achievements with style and vigour.
Just as Keating challenged social norms in his time, Biggins also confronts today’s society, raising questions about social media and “woke” culture.
The Gospel According to Paul digs deep beyond the persona of Paul Keating the politician and gently guides the audience through the ups and downs of his life.
Keating, who was often perceived as arrogant, famously telling Australians it was “the recession we had to have” and using colourful phrases like “all tip and no iceberg” and “unrepresentative swill” to describe fellow parliamentarians, is revealed in a new light. This entertaining production unpacks a life to expose Paul Keating, the man.
Whether you valued or disliked Paul Keating during his time in office, don’t miss your chance to experience The Gospel According to Paul. It’s a slice of Australian history and identity. It helps us understand where we’ve come from and invites us to reflect on where we are headed.
The Gospel According to Paul
Heath Ledger Theatre – State Theatre Centre of WA, 174 – 176 William Street, Perth
Performance: Thursday 24 July 2025
Season continues to 3 August 2025
Information and Bookings: www.blackswantheatre.com.au
Images: Jonathan Biggins stars in The Gospel According to Paul – photos by Brett Boardman
Review: Craig Dalglish