Keating's Republic

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http://www.themcshowroom.com/event/keatings-republic/

Date Reviewed: 02/04/2019

Review by Melinda Scaringi 

Pop, politics and French republican clocks

When Madonna (Mia Romero) waltzed on stage in black tulle singing Holiday, I wasn’t sure what I was in for. 

But she set the scene for a return to the 80s and 90s, with a soundtrack to boot, as we remembered the biting turn of phrase of one of Australia's greats. And bemoaned the unfulfilled legacy of Australia’s independence. 

Back then, we’re reminded, the thought of standing on our own two feet as a nation with our own identity didn’t seem like a tall order. Keating’s Republic made it seem not only possible but inevitable. 

Like he always did, Kerry O’Brien (Shannon Woollard) tries to help us understand where it all went wrong. Peering over his spectacles, Wollard expertly re-enacts the cutting questioning from the veteran journalist, as Keating (Sean Paisely Collins) lounges in the armchair next to him, earnestly and eloquently explaining how we missed out on even becoming a banana republic while he was at the helm. 

It’s when Keating is in the spotlight that this play really hits its stride – with Paisely Collins bringing a self-assurance to his Italian double-breasted suit, that Keating would have been proud to see. 

Cameos from Queen Elizabeth and Cheryl Kernot are there to keep us honest and even the good old Aussie, Akubra makes an appearance.  

A political piss-take, infused with pop makes for a great debut for this team at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. If you yearn for a dose of Keating’s Republic, don’t miss it.