The Book of Kevin

His name’s Kevin, he’s from Queensland and he’s back.

After nearly two years in self-imposed exile, Kevin Rudd is finally prepared to break his silence in his tell-all autobiography ‘Here to help.’

Join the team from Year of the Abbott and Australia Votes 2013 for another satirical send up as they give voice to one of the most fascinating figures in Australian political history in ‘The Book of Kevin’.

Set at the fictional book launch of Rudd’s autobiography, the show stars Nathan Lentern as our enigmatic former prime minister, alongside other comic characters portrayed by Youtube’s Tony Abbott Impersonator Jonas Holt (At Home with Tone & United Impersonations) & Timothy Hugh Govers (Year of The Abbott). 

Mr Rudd (AKA Nathan Lentern) spoke to Stage Whispers.

SW: Mr Rudd how do you spend your time these days?

KR: When it comes to the question of post political activity, well let me just say this. Do I believe that there is no longer any contribution I can make to this world?  Well, frankly No I don’t. And do I believe that education and research is the bridge to a stronger and more prosperous world for all humanity? Well, yes I do.

Some folk like Bob Carr have opted to spend their post political careers writing about aeroplane food, I’ve chosen a slightly different path.  So these days I spend my time as a senior fellow at Harvard University heading, heading up the centre for science and International studies.

SW: How likely is it that you will be the next General Secretary of the United Nations?

KR: According to convention the position will go to a candidate from Eastern Europe. Last time I checked, Australia was not part of Eastern Europe so I think this discussion ought to be put in cryogenic storage.  Whoever the position goes to will have my full support, just as Kim Beazley and Julia Gillard always had my full support. Because you know something? I am a very happy little Vegemite here at Harvard.

SW:  If you get there what job could you offer Julia Gillard?

KR: Oh look Julia is a very highly regarded figure internationally. As deputy Prime Minister she was intimately involved in the operations of a very highly regarded government. I think the situation in Greece at the moment calls for someone with extensive experience in budget blowouts and Julia would certainly be someone that fits that criteria.

SW: The Book of Kevin …will it be a Best seller?

KR: I believe it will be quite popular among people who are looking for an accurate and informed account of the period in which we were in government. Some folk use political memoirs to rewrite history, to have a crack at their former colleagues, this isn’t that. I believe if you have an issue with someone you bring it up with them directly. You don’t write a book about it, you don’t things about them to the press. That’s just a coward’s way of doing things, it is not the K Rudd way of doing things.

SW: What could Tony Abbott learn if he read it?

KR: Tony has a female deputy who gets fantastic press and for all intents and purposes appears to be completely loyal to him. You know, circumstances can change quickly. 

SW: Where can we see your ‘Book Launch’?

KR: We’ll be doing the Sydney tour. So we’ve got two nights at the Bondi Pavillion on July 14 and 15. We’ve got one night at Gleebooks on July 16 and three nights at The Rocks Pop Up, Merchants House on the 22^nd, 23^rd and 24^th of July. Tickets are available at the door or in advance via eventbrite or www.bondifeast.com.au. But until then, as they say in the classics, I’ve gotta zip!

The Rocks Pop Up Spaces

22nd-24th July 2015 at 7pm

Where: The Rocks Pop Up
Merchants House,
43-45 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000

Website: http://www.therockspopup.tumblr.com

Tickets: $15 full

$12 concession

Available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-book-of-kevin-tickets-17027725385, or for purchase at the door

Gleebooks

16th July 2015 at 7pm

Where: Gleebooks
49 Glebe Point Road,
Glebe NSW 2037

Tickets: $15 full

$12 concession

Ticketing website:            https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-book-of-kevin-tickets-17027725385
Bondi Feast

Season: 14th & 15th July 2015 at 7pm

Where:  Bondi Pavilion
Queen Elizabeth Drive,

Bondi Beach NSW 2026

Tickets: $15 full

Available at http://www.bondifeast.com.au, or for purchase at the door.