THEATRE: THE WHARF REVUE
The Wharf Revue 2010 is a collection of irreverent sketches akin to a restaurant buffet. There are some dishes you can’t get enough of, a couple that miss the mark, and a few that confuse you at first but get there in the end. In such a compact performance, the show manages to take in a swath of issues, from the domestic rabble of the NSW Labor Party to an energetic piece on Sarah Palin and the Tea Party – and almost everything in between. There are four performers who star in the 14 skits, Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsyth, Phillip Scott and Amanda Bishop. Bishop manages to reincarnate herself as virtually every female politician in Australia, and is believable (and hilarious) every time. There is also a riotous piece on Japanese whalers (chefs … or scientists?) and a Eurovision song contest featuring German Chancellor Angela Merkel. While some skits were comedic genius others didn’t quite work. There were moments where the choreography was just out of time, the punch-line didn’t hit the mark or the joke was predictable. Even so, this charming instalment from the Wharf Revue team, lead by the inimitable Jonathon Biggins, is well worth it.
Until Dec 12, Wharf 2, Sydney Theatre Company, $30-60, 9250 1777, sydneytheatre.com
BY TANIELE GOFERS
