Tonight, I attended what’s being billed as the final ever “Wharf Revue”. This annual satirical comedy event has been a Sydney institution for 25 years. The creators, now in their 60s, have clearly poured their hearts and souls into this production. Judging by tonight’s performance, they’re determined to go out with a bang!
The show opened with Jonathan Biggins, one of the creative forces behind the Revue, delivering a masterful impersonation of Paul Keating. Biggins, who previously starred in a play about the former Prime Minister, absolutely nailed Keating’s voice, mannerisms, and attitude. The opening skit cleverly highlighted the importance of the arts in political discourse, with a witty reminder that even the most brilliant cabaret couldn’t have stopped the rise of Hitler.
Much of the Revue focused on Australian politics, with hilarious send-ups of figures like Pauline Hanson, Kevin Rudd, Tony Abbott, and Julia Gillard. One particularly memorable bit skewered Gina Rinehart and Clive Palmer, and the Jackie Lambie sketch was hilarious. The show didn’t shy away from international targets either, with a biting satire of the Trump era and the media landscape. A brilliant sequence portrayed Rupert Murdoch as a Mr. Burns-like figure, enlisting a Homer Simpson-esque character to play the role of Peter Dutton.
There were so many laugh-out-loud moments. One line that particularly tickled me was a reference to Senator Larissa Waters: “I thought that was a cattle station in the Northern Territory!”
As soon as I got home, I messaged friends urging them to see it before its final run, and that’s what I’m suggesting people in Sydney should right now. I’m pretty sure it will tour to other centres, as it normally does.
I can’t recall exactly when I first saw the Wharf Revue, but I believe it was with my friend Colin, who is sadly no longer with us. Over the past 20 years, I’ve seen it on and off, though I admit I lost interest for a while. A few years ago, the humor felt a bit too mean-spirited for my liking. While I appreciate sharp political satire, it seemed to cross a line into personal attacks. Thankfully, this final show has rediscovered the right balance, delivering cutting wit without resorting to unnecessary cruelty.
This year’s performance was particularly poignant for me. It’s been almost 18 months since my lower leg amputation, and I’m still recovering. Last year, I saw the Revue at the Seymour Centre, and I vividly remember struggling with the stairs. Navigating those steps without a handrail on the inner side was a real challenge. I had to use the handrail on the far right, slowly make my way down to the front, and then awkwardly shuffle across the stage to find my seat.
Determined to have a more comfortable experience this time, I booked a front-row seat. It was the perfect solution, providing an unobstructed view and easy access. This simple change made a huge difference to my enjoyment of the show.
The final Wharf Revue was a brilliant send-off to a beloved Sydney tradition. It was a night of laughter, reflection, and a reminder of the power of satire to hold a mirror to society.
Only twenty five years. It seems like it has been around forever. It’s so good it went out with a bang to create the last memories.
I know whar you mean about 25 years. It seems like it’s been longer, but the internet confirms it’s not. I am pretty sure they will play Melbourne.