Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has fronted up to the Theatre Royal with a mix of nerves and good humour ahead of a comedy show dedicated to roasting him.
Rockliff attended Thursday night’s performance of the Old Nick Company’s Uni Revue, a long-running satirical show that skewers state politicians.
This year’s production, titled ‘Rockliffman’, puts the premier front and centre as a target as it explores “the rise, fall and rise again of Tasmania’s biggest rock’n’roll stadium spectacular”.
“I’m here to see, with some trepidation, how I am taken off by the wonderful cast of the Uni Revue and the Old Nick Company,” he told Triple M Hobart breakfast host Kaz McMullen in the foyer of the Theatre Royal before the show.
Rockliff said he expected to be “shrinking down” on his chair during the show but insisted he was happy to cop it.
“It’s all in good fun and it’s good entertainment,” he said.
“The job’s not easy, but you’ve gotta be able to laugh at yourself.”
“Our job’s serious, but if people wanna take the mickey out of us, well that’s good too.”
The premier said he’d anticipated several of his government’s controversies making it into the script, naming the stadium debate, the last election, the no confidence motion and Tasinsure as likely material.
“There are a few times where I think, I reckon this would be a great little skit for the Uni Revue people to do,” he said.
Asked who from the opposition he’d most like to see copping it on stage, Rockliff said he wanted to “just wait and see”.
“There are plenty of characters in what is an increasingly diverse parliament of which there is absolutely no doubt, but this Tasmanian parliament gives the Uni Review plenty of material.”
The revue has been a fixture of the Tasmanian theatre scene every year since it began in 1948, delivering a uniquely Tasmanian song and dance comedy show with a strong element of political satire.
Rockliffman is directed by Kristy Baker, choreographed by Ash Boxhall with musical direction by Eric Amani and vocal direction by Jessica Muir.
The show, supported by Pulse Tasmania and Triple M Hobart, features a fast-paced mix of sketch comedy, parody songs, dance and biting local satire.
The Hobart season runs from May 7 to May 23 for 10 shows only, followed by a limited run at Launceston’s Albert Hall from May 28 to May 30 with just three shows.
For the first time since 1958, the revue will also head to Devonport’s Paranaple Arts Centre from June 4 to June 6 for three shows.
Rockliff said he plans to attend the show again when it heads to Devonport next month and will bring his mum Gerry along to watch.
