You’re returning to play Lionel Bart inReviewing The Situation. What makes Bart such an interesting subject for cabaret?
Lionel Bart was a great (and flawed) character. In London’s Swinging Sixties he made a lot of money very fast with the success of Oliver! and he spent it just as quickly on celebrity parties, booze and drugs. Then he lost the lot, never had another big hit, and died bankrupt.
What’s your earliest memory of encountering Bart’s work?
I first heard the songs from Oliver! as a kid, but even before that I knew the song he wrote for Tommy Steele (a British pop star) called ‘Little White Bull’.
How did you go about studying Bart’s life, achievements and flaws for your portrayal?
My co-writer Terence O’Connell and I did the usual online research – biographies and documentaries – but I also interviewed people who had known Lionel, like Barry Humphries.
You’re also known for playing satirical versions of our politicians in The Wharf Revue. Do good characters need to have flaws?
Flawed characters make for stronger drama and comedy. They give you something to latch onto. Politicians are perfect subjects because their flaws are constantly being aired in public. When someone like Peter Dutton says something offensive or stupid (which is about every five minutes), everyone knows about it. And Jacqui Lambie is a gift!
How have you seen the audiences for your art change over the last 30 years?
Cabaret audiences have always included people who are interested in the theatre generally, and they’ve often been a slightly older crowd. Now I’m part of that group too, I guess! But I reckon the audiences are younger than they once were, especially at places like the Hayes where there’s a real buzz. The Hayes’ vibe is that music theatre is more than just big, safe, expensive family shows.
[Reviewing The Situation photo (c) Mark Baxter]
Reviewing The SituationrunsThursday February 4 – Sunday February 7 at Hayes Theatre Co.
