The Gospel According to Paul

Jonathan Biggins is back as Paul Keating in his self-penned showcase of political wit and wisdom: The Gospel According to Paul. And the laughs are very welcome indeed, after sold-out shows in Sydney, and several pesky postponements in Brisbane. Biggins presents his evening with Keating as not so much a dinner speech but rather a private salon with the man himself: yes, there are plenty of laughs, but he gives the character heart and soul as well. With his handy overhead projector and transparencies ("Remember those?" he quips), the history lesson begins with family photos at Bankstown before the big move to Canberra and all the characters along the way. Keating takes us through his personal history and introduction to public life from the 1960s through to his time as Prime Minister. He sets the scene for his main lesson: "leadership is about imagination and courage: imagination to think of the big picture and the courage to see it through", with a reminder of the revolving door of Aussie PMs over the past decade, he has a point: Kevin Rudd – Tin-Tin meets the Rain Man; Julia Gillard – put a chip in the glass ceiling that wouldn't trouble Windscreens O'Brien; Tony Abbott – the failed priest who thought 'misogyny' was his teacher in third class; Malcolm Turnbull – the only man who could make a real leather jacket look like vinyl; Sco Mo – the Prime Minister of Bunnings.

But this is no ordinary political satire – the show is about Keating and the social reforms of the Whitlam-Hawke-Keating administrations, but it is also about Australia and how we see ourselves and who we vote for to limit or expand that vision. The set is Keating's office, brought to life lovingly by Mark Thompson, with Lighting by Verity Hampson and Sound and Video (that great side show) by David Bergman. Director Aarne Neeme keeps the pace tight and uses Biggins' talents as a raconteur, singer and comic to break up the hour-and-a-half show.

Biggins is a consummate performer – from Keating's disdain in the opening 'breaking the ice' audience participation to his final song and dance for Keating's take on Sinatra's 'That's Life', he never waivers, channelling the man and balancing the high wire between humble self-appreciation and arrogant egotism. As Keating says, after admitting the challenges of the 'Redfern Speech': "The introduction of Native Title was my greatest achievement. But why narrow it down?" Of course Keating goes on to tell us about his love of politics and music, how he almost managed the Ramrods to fame and fortune with Robert Stigwood (had the boys not bailed at international travel) and his discovery of the Bee Gees (yes, they were the Ramrod's support act!)

There are important moments of encouragement during his education and, of course, his crucial relationships with mentors Jack Lang and Bob Hawke. It's fascinating stuff: the young Keating met Jack Lang in his office two days a week for 7 years, in his lunch break – who takes a lunch break anymore?

Biggins acknowledges source material from Keating himself (those Question Time quips and stingers) as well as biographers Kerry O'Brien, Troy Bramston and Don Watson. It is a superbly researched and well-honed script that keeps pace with Keating's take on what's in the news today. For example, after Australia's long-time loyalty to the British monarchy and extended Menzies years, tagging along behind the UK, the irony of recent events is not lost on this Keating who quips: "With Brexit, the Brits will ditch the Union Jack before we do!"

There are a couple of brilliant song-and-dance numbers – how better to present Keating's winning fiscal policies than a version of 'Putting on the Ritz' with explanatory lyrics? But this is no cartoon Les Patterson portrayal – it is not an impersonation; it's on a different level – an homage while channelling Keating-esque values, facts and stories to entertain. Plus, it's not just nasty one-liners: the foundation is a brilliant script that uses the character of Keating to comment on what we've lost in politics and society in general. OK politics back in that era wasn't perfect, but the characters had gusto compared to today's lot. As Biggins says in his programme notes: "Do better, ya mugs!"

Research has proven that laughter adds years to your life; I reckon this show is worth about 10 years to fortunate audience members. Due to the changing nature of politics it is difficult to tell how long Biggins will be able to continue his turn as Keating – so catch him now while you can.

Beth Keehn

Photographer:  Brett Boardman

The Gospel According to Paul plays at QPAC until Sunday 24 October: https://www.qpac.com.au/event/according_to_paul_21/