AUSTRALIA DAY

Taking a satirical swipe at the grassroots politics of a typical organising committee, Australia Day opens up the ever relevant debate on our national identity. Written by The Wharf Revue’s Jonathan Biggins and inspired by events during his time as an Australia Day Ambassador in NSW, it is a thoughtful, humorous and at times challenging play that prompts insightful questions about the freedom of speech, political correctness and the impact of multiculturalism.
Set in a small regional town, the six somewhat stereotypical characters that make up the committee clash over the trivialities of organising the big day. Is the sausage sizzle too monocultural nowadays or should they be providing satay sticks, are some of the seemingly simple issues the committee faces which provides the dynamic framework for the witty dialogue between the characters.

Fans of The Vicar of Dibley will no doubt enjoy the production which uses a similar approach and representative cast, albeit on a much edgier scale. With solid performances by Geoff Morell as the duplicitous mayor and Alison Whyte as the exasperated Greens councillor, it is an enjoyable ‘ABC’ style play in the great Australian tradition of self deprecating comedy.

Until 27 Oct, Sydney Opera House, 2 Macquarie Street, Sydney, $40-90, 8839 3399, sydneyoperahouse.com