Wit of the Keating era

Reviewed by Danny Gocs

TURN back the clock to the Keating years in Australian politics for a dose of entertaining musical comedy in the stage musical Keating! which has returned for another season.

The show burst into life at the 2005 Melbourne International Comedy Festival and has continued to delight audiences around the country.

Written by Casey Bennetto and directed by Neil Armfield, we meet the major political leaders of the 1990s -– Bob Hawke, John Howard, John Hewsen and Alexander Downer.

Naturally, Keating takes centre stage as he comes across as a suave charmer wearing his dapper suits matched by his acerbic wit.

Mike McLeish has played the role of Keating since the first production in 2005 and delights with his smooth delivery and energetic dancing.

He provides a strong contrast to Bob Hawke (played by experienced actor Terry Serio) who has a more rugged, matey manner.

Serio also doubles up as John Howard, with one of the highlights being the variety of outfits that are literally pasted on while on stage to represent different personas.

The story in Keating! is told entirely through song, with the talented band performing at the back of the stage.

There are a variety of musical styles in the show, ranging from a rap dance to accompany the Liberal's GST proposal to a reggae beat as Keating sings Ruler of the Land.

While the characters of Keating and Hawke dominate the show, there are cameo appearances by the other political players which all add to the quality of the production.

Alexander Downer struts the stage in fishnet stockings (a reference to time he wore stockings to a children’s charity fundraiser in 1996) as he sings Freaky (with shades of Sweet Transvestite).

Brendan Coustley plays former Liberal leader John Hewsen, although there is little physical resemblance, while band member Enio Pozzebon dons a safari suit to play plays Gareth Evans, whose love affair with Cheryl Kernot led her to the Labor side of politics.

The lyrics of the songs are clever and pointed and are a highlight of the show, although some events and anecdotes have almost been forgotten over the years and lose their impact.

Overall, Keating! is a wonderfully entertaining musical that continues to grow in popularity -– the current Melbourne season has already been extended to cater for demand.


Keating! is at the Comedy Theatre, Melbourne, until March 9. It then tours around Australia, culminating with a season at the Seymour Centre, Sydney, from July 30. Bookings: www.ticketek.com