Reviewed by George Ivanoff

A musical play about Australian politics? With former Federal Treasurer and Prime Minister Paul Keating as the hero? Weird? You bet! And yet, Keating! works surprisingly well. It’s certainly a refreshing change from your run-of-the-mill Broadway hit.

Written by Casey Bennetto, Keating! first dazzled audiences in 2005 at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and went on to sell-out seasons across the country. It’s now ended up on DVD, courtesy of the ABC who recorded the show on 20 August 2008 at the Seymour Centre in Sydney. The musical follows Paul Keating’s rise to Australia’s top job in 1991, and eventual defeat at the hands of John Howard in the 1996 election.

This funny, satirical and strangely endearing, pro-Keating production features witty songs and diverse musical styles. Paul Keating’s stand-out musical number is “Ruler of the Land”, but other characters get the more memorable songs. From Alexander Downer—dressed in corsetry and fishnet stocking—singing about how he’s too “Freaky” for the leadership, through to Gareth Evans and Cheryl Kernot’s extra-marital affair duet, “Heavens, Mister Evans”. The band is superb, ably shifting musical styles from rock and ballad to rap and blues, amongst others . For the most part, the cast do a great job with both singing and characterisation. Mike McLeish as Keating handles the part well, but does not have the vocal power to really make the most of the more belt-it-out numbers. Although I found this a little disappointing during those particular songs, it did not detract from my overall enjoyment.

DVD extras include a curtain call by Paul Keating, an audio commentary featuring Casey Bennetto, Mike McLeish (Keating) and Enio Pozzebon, and backstage interviews with cast and crew.

Keating!
(2008)

Available through Madman Entertainment.