Heath Franklin's Chopper - Bogan Jesus

Comedian Heath Franklin has resurrected his most popular impersonation of deceased criminal ‘Chopper’ Read for his new show Bogan Jesus. His latest offering is not for the easily offended, but most come expecting to be shocked by Franklin’s brutally honest humour.

With trademark moustache, sunglasses and tattoos, the comedian is obviously comfortable in the skin of the former notorious gangster.

Rising from the dead, just like Jesus, Chopper is sent by ‘God’ back down to Earth to start a new religion. We are then treated to Chopper’s version of the Ten Commandments.

Vowing to start his church at 2pm on a Sunday, with an offering of a berocca and a schnitzel, this Aussie larikin soon has the audience eating out of the palm of his hand. Taking his commandments from a cross-section of stereotypes, his humour is simple but spot-on.

Preaching that one should ‘love thy neighbour’, unless he is a ‘knob’ and ‘love thy bogan’, unless he uses a blower vac at 7am on a Sunday morning, ol’ ‘Chop Chop’ makes it obvious he has some things to get off his chest.

Comedians are adept at handling the odd heckler and Franklin’s ad-libs dealt with the unfortunate lads who decided to scream out their thoughts. Some of the funniest laughs in this hour of comedy came from these spontaneous moments.

Draped in a white sheet, thongs and a stubbie in his right hand, Franklin’s Chopper was clearly preaching to the converted.

Kerry Cooper