A world-premiere, rollicking new musical account of Australia’s great constitutional crisis.
Book by Blake Erickson & Jay James-Moody
Music & Lyrics by Laura Murphy
Conceived and Directed by Jay James-Moody
World Premiere
It’s time!
Canberra, 11 November 1975. As Gough Whitlam delivers his iconic speech decrying his dismissal as Prime Minister, a mighty crowd of reporters throngs the steps of Parliament House. Chief amongst them is one of the 1970s most iconic larrikins, Norman Gunston.
Fast forward to Sydney, 2021 and the Gold Logie winner and Wollongong’s favourite son returns, played by the hilarious Matthew Whittet, to narrate a rollicking, razor-sharp musical account of Australia’s great constitutional crisis. Fans of political satire will revel in this all singing, all dancing, all mud-slinging retelling of Canberra’s most controversial moment.
The Dismissal revives the full rogues gallery of 70s Australian politics: ambitious Whitlam, seductive Malcolm Fraser, duplicitous silver-fox Sir John Kerr, and even Her Majesty QEII as you’ve never seen her.
The Dismissal is equal parts toe-tapping time travel and a nuanced commentary on Australia’s place in the world today. With unimpeachable wit and a cracking soundtrack, this world- premiere reckoning for the nation’s soul is set to be a sensational night out.
DATE: Tuesday 23 November 2021
TIME: 6.30pm – 9.00pm
VENUE: Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House
TICKETS: Adult A Reserve $96; Seniors Cardholder $90 + Booking Fee. Purchase your tickets at https://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/whats-on or by phone at the Box office on (02) 9250 1777
Cherry and I have booked our tickets for Seats E23 and E24.
POST-THEATRE: (Optional Extra): Join Judith and Cherry after the performance for drinks, light food and conversation at Opera Kitchen, Matt Moran’s new market food hall. Opera Kitchen is located on the Lower Concourse Level, Sydney Opera House.
RSVP TO: Judith Nguyen at [email protected], indicating whether you would like to join us for Post-theatre drinks, light food and conversation, as booking a table is required
RSVP BY: Tuesday 16 November 2021
