Review by Steve Bennett

But you don’t need to know that; because although Damain Callinan’s show is entirely based on his forebears’ role in those crucial events of 1854, not to mention rich with local references, it is so inventive, lively and daft that it is irresistibly, rollickingly funny whatever your knowledge of the period known to learned Australian historians as ‘the olden days’.

The historical context is set out through the class project of a loud but endearing schoolboy just one of the many characters Callinan, a regular on TV sketch show Skithouse, so vibrantly evokes.

The contrived conceit that the venue has been double-booked for a celebration of the event’s 150th anniversary by all manner of community groups opens the door for more deranged characters, as does the theatrical device of summoning up his dead ancestors to tell their story, and cope with 21st century life.

Callinan’s all very self-referential about employing these tricks of the trade: characters complaining about the dodgy Irish accent they’ve been given, or of the technical limitations of a one-man show. He’s even self-referential about being so-self referential. Postmodernism is eating itself.

But all these in-jokes and cheery audience banter are a smokescreen to hide the fact the show is so well constructed that the gear-change from ribald, Knockabout comedy to intelligent politically aware pathos is seamless.

This is an hour that has everything, not only showcasing Callinan’s well-honed talents as a charismatic stand-up, character actor and comedy writer, but ensuring the audience are entertained for every minute along the way. It’s pure gold.

Reviewed by: Steve Bennett
Melbourne, April 2005

Review date: 1 Jan 2005
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett