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.
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 Dutton than Dutton.
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. 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!
The Wharf Revue: The End Of The Wharf As We Know It
Canberra Theatre – Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, Canberra
Performance: Saturday 26 October 2024
Season continues to 2 November 2023
Bookings: www.canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Following the Canberra season, The Wharf Revue will be presented at The Pavilion, Sutherland (5 – 6 November), The Seymour Centre, Sydney (11 November – 23 December), with more dates and venues in 2025. For more information, visit: www.softtread.com.au for details.
Images: Jonathan Biggins as Paul Keating – photo by Vishal Pandey | Mandy Bishop as Joanna Lumley and Phil Scott as Miriam Margolyes – photo by Vishal Pandey
Review: Bill Stephens OAM