The Funhouse

I struggle to think of another performer who injects political satire into a song any better than the multi-talented Paul McDermott. Coming to the Australian public’s attention in the late eighties as a member of comedy trio Doug Anthony Allstars, his quick wit and melodic voice continued during the nineties with the hit panel gameshow Good News Week.

McDermott, along with his backing band of Toby Lang, Alex Wignal, Tim Wilson and his (plus one) Glenn Moorhouse, provide a thumping soundtrack to the naughty and side-splitting antics for the best part of an hour.

As McDermott mingles with the audience, his easy commentary leaves no doubt that he is in his comfort zone, but heckle at your own peril. We are introduced early in proceedings to Captain Ruin, who delights as he attempts to free himself from constraints in the form of a straitjacket. Not to be outdone, the stunning drag performer Philmah Bocks steals centre stage with colour, pizazz and her larger-than-life wigs and wings.

Rounding out the evening’s entertainment was comedian Dilruk Jayasinha, famous for his star-turn in ABC’s Utopia and I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here. His situational comedy and effortless banter had the audience howling with laughter.

The show seemed far too short, but I was not to be disappointed for long, as McDermott accompanied by Moorhouse invited the audience to join them outside as they continued busking and enlightening us with their views on politics, religion, anti-vaxers and Covid 19.

This show is called The Funhouse for good reason.

Kerry Cooper

Photographer: Claudio Raschella