Tasmania’s longest-running comedic revue is taking aim at Premier Jeremy Rockliff and the Macquarie Point stadium plan in its 2026 production.
The Old Nick Company’s 79th Uni Revue, titled “Rockliffman: The Rise, Fall, and Rise Again of Tasmania’s Biggest Rock’n’Roll Stadium Spectacular”, parodies the Elton John biopic Rocketman while tackling the state’s most contentious political issue.
Director Kristy Baker said the comedy song and dance show represents all sides of the stadium debate but confirmed the opening number is a “stadium spectacular”.
“We certainly put in influence from both sides,” Baker told Pulse.
“However, I can reveal that the opening number of the show is a stadium spectacular. So … I guess in that sense, we do have a stadium built in our show.”
The revue will run at Hobart’s the Theatre Royal from May 7-23, followed by Launceston’s Albert Hall from May 28-30.
For the first time in over 50 years, the show will also visit Devonport when the show is performed at the Paranaple Arts Centre from June 4-6.
Last year’s show was titled “(DIM)WITTED: The Wicked Story of the Pollies of Aus,” and drew inspiration from the musical Wicked while focusing on Tasmania’s political landscape
Baker, who has been involved with the revue for 20 years in various roles, is directing for the first time.
“It’s been 20 years since I did my first show,” she said.
“So it feels kind of cool, you know, after two decades to be back involved at this level.”
The Uni Revue has been a Tasmanian theatre fixture since 1948, combining political satire with songs, dances and video segments.
“What we really hope is we’re there to make people laugh,” Baker said.
“We try to make light of some pretty heavy situations that happen in our state and across the world.”
Premier Rockliff helped launch the show on social media, with Baker praising his good humour about being the target of political satire.
“It’s good that the premier of our state can recognise we’re just having some fun,” she said.
“It’s a nice thing for us to travel to the north-west to his home kind of region to deliver a show that’s about him.”
Tickets are available at www.oldnick.com.au/rockliffman.
