'Newly deposed Prime Minister Gough Whitlam descends the steps of Parliament House to rage against his dismissal by Governor-General Sir John Kerr, who has replaced him with the opposition leader, Malcolm Fraser. A scoop of reporters throng toward him - chief among them Gold Logie-winner, beloved larrikin, and Wollongong’s favourite son: Norman Gunston.
'Half a century later, Norman returns to deliver a rollicking, razor-sharp musical account of Australia’s epic constitutional crisis. “The best Australian musical of the century” (Audrey Journal) will have you revelling through this all-singing, all-dancing, all-mud-slinging retelling of the monumental events that brought our country to its knees.
'In the spirit of Keating!, SIX, and The Wharf Revue comes “Australia’s answer to Hamilton” (Sydney Morning Herald) - a toe-tapping journey through time, a wry commentary on Australian history, and a confronting portrait of our national character.
'With unimpeachable wit, electrifying music, and a big heart, this ambitious World Premiere doubles as both reckoning for the nation’s soul and a sensational night out, stirring audiences across generations and political persuasions.'
Source: Production blurb.
Set for production by Sydney Theatre Company, 29 October to 18 December 2021, Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House.
Director: Jay James-Moody.
Musical Director: Steven Kramer.
Lighting Designer: James Wallis.
Choreographer: Chiara Assetta.
Cast: Matthew Whittet.
Production cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Presented by the Sydney Theatre Company at the Seymour Centre, August 2023 (world premiere).
Director: Jay James-Moody.
'If you didn't live through it, you've heard about it: the 1975 ousting of Australia's 21st prime minister, Gough Whitlam.'
'If you didn't live through it, you've heard about it: the 1975 ousting of Australia's 21st prime minister, Gough Whitlam.'