The Wharf Revue 2018
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Between the recent Australian leadership spill, and the court case and subsequent Twitter spat between Stormy Daniels and Donald Trump, there’s plenty of grist for the mill when it comes to political satire.
So just how do the kings of comedy, Jonathan Biggins and Drew Forsythe keep up with goings-on while on the road with The Wharf Revue? We spoke with cast member Rachael Beck—whose character list includes Stormy Daniels, Michaelia Cash, Melania Trump and more—to find out how the show evolves as events unfold.
Rachael, how quickly is the script adapted to fit in what’s happening in politics?
Extremely quickly. Even Gladys Berejiklian’s decision to allow the Opera House to be used as advertising was popped in the other night. Then last night, as I was putting my makeup on, Jonathan Biggins said, “I’m going to call you ‘horse face’ and you’re going to say ‘game on, tiger’ at the end.”
It’s really interesting, because often I do shows that are exactly the same for a whole year, night after night. And then you come into this show where you really have to be on the front foot the whole time. You definitely have to have a coffee and a Berocca before every show.
Have you enjoyed that experience?
Yeah, it’s different to anything else I’ve ever done because you have no time to get into character. You’re putting a wig or the last bits of your costume as you’re walking on stage and you just go “ok I’m this person now.” It really requires a lot of focus.
What’s going through your mind as you’re transitioning from one person to a completely different one?
‘Have I forgotten to put my undies on?’ in Stormy Daniels case, when I’m doing the splits. Or, ‘is my wig on the right way around?’ I went on stage the other day with my skirt upside down. The changes are just so quick.
Do you have a favourite character?
That’s like asking if you have a favourite child. It does depend on how I’m feeling but I’d say Michaelia Cash is the one that is the powerhouse role. I really like that. I do love Stormy as well, she’s a bit sleazy. I think I’ve got a bit of a stripper side to myself.
What’s it like coming to Canberra? As political centre of Australia, does it feel different to perform here?
Apparently it does! I hear that people get and laugh at all of the jokes because the climate there is so much more politically astute and aware. I’m really looking forward to Canberra. I’m hoping that some of the pollies that we’re singing about and pretending to be will come and watch it.
What kind of experience do you think that audiences will have at The Wharf Revue?
Oh, they’ll be in stitches with laughter, I’m sure. It’s got a lot of singing in it—maybe because I’m in it—a lot of singing and dancing and I tap and I do cartwheels, but there’s a fantastic section in it where Paul Keating appears again, and asks ‘where have all the real leaders gone?’
Scott Morrison makes an appearance, and Stormy Daniels and Melania Trump, [Donald] Trump comes back, they’ve got the Book of Cormann, which is a take-off on the Book of Mormon with Mathias Cormann. It’s wonderful to be involved in, they’re really clever writers.
The essentials
What: The Wharf Revue 2018
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre
When: 23 October – 3 November
Book: canberratheatrecentre.com.au
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