Veronica’s Score: 3.5 stars
I saw The Rise and Disguise of Elizabeth R on a Wednesday night, and it was the perfect hump day cure. That’s not to say it wouldn’t take you away from the daily humdrum and put music to your troubles on any night of the week.
A lot of the fun for us watching the multi-talented Gerry Connolly perform his spot-on caricature of Elizabeth R is we want to forget it’s not really her. And out of the mouth of one of the most polished and media schooled people on the planet, we suddenly hear what we’d like to think she might say if she dropped her guard, which, of course, she never would. We are also talking about someone who is a marvel of self-discipline.
As Connolly reminds us, his rude Queen began as a lark at university, won him a MO Award and then dominated his professional career for 40 years. True, he is a gifted actor and pianist, and other satirical portrayals of public figures have won him acclaim, but it is Her Royal Highness that he is best known for. Nearly 30 years ago, her appearance at a World Cup reception in Melbourne resulted in English cricketer Ian Botham walking out in a huff, but only last year, she was a massive hit on Britain’s Got Talent. Still, I wouldn’t describe her as a divisive figure, and to his credit, Connolly (who I suspect is a virulent republican) doesn’t rob her of her certain flair and, more importantly, her intelligence.
Much of the show is an exploration of how Connolly might extract himself from his parody’s towering typecasting. He also ponders if he will really be better off without her. You could say his dilemma holds up a mirror as to how parts of our population genuinely feel about the monarchy.
Co-written by Connolly, Nick Coyle, and Gus Murray (who also produces) and directed by Shaun Rennie, there is much wit on display. The sight gags are more hit than miss, and overall, there are few flat spots. Triple threats Rob Mallet and Laura Mallet offer great support, and some lightning-quick costume changes; their energy is unflagging. Max Lambert contributes excellent tunes, and choreographer Leah Howard has everyone showing off some joyful and uninhibited moves. The colourful set and costumes are by Jeremy Allen, and it is well lit by Trent Suidgeest.
It’s a big welcome back to the local stage for our 92-year-old Head of State at her unfiltered best. Long live Elizabeth the Last!
Veronica Hannon, Theatre Now
13 Feb – 1 Mar 2020
Venue: Hayes Theatre
Theatre Company: Sugary Rum Productions
Duration: N/A
Preview: Full: $69/Group $50
Standard: $65/Group $60
Tues – Sat 7:30 pm
Sat 2:00 pm
Sun 3:00 pm
Written by Gerry Connolly, Nick Coyle & Gus Murray
Gerry Connolly is a familiar and much-loved face in Australia. A versatile actor, comic and musician, we have watched him in classics Fast Forward and Joh’s Jury and on stage in Urinetown and Nick Enright’s Summer Rain, in opera, with symphony orchestras and the regal opening of an envelope. Perhaps his most enduring performance has been his inhabitation of Queen Elizabeth II. Over four decades, his loving (and uncanny) representation of her, full of dry wit and surprising ingenuity, has become an Australian icon.
This brand new story brings to life many of Gerry’s brilliant alter-egos, from Her Maj, her son, her bête noir the Baroness Thatcher, her Australian PMs to other famous home-grown personalities… As the Queen nears the end of her reign, this show explores her history, her hidden personality, and the weird sense of intimacy that has developed for Gerry over decades of walking in the shoes of The Monarch.
Directed by Hayes favourite Shaun Rennie (Only Heaven Knows, The View UpStairs) and supported by a cast of talented comic triple threats, Gerry will push boundaries, as always, in this outing, full of pathos, humour and magic. Expect the unexpected in a show that delivers what the Royal Family isn’t known for: gags, show tunes, and dancing.
Image courtesy Luke Roberts
Director Shaun Rennie
Lighting Designer Trent Suidgeest
Producer Gus Murray
Starring Gerry Connolly
