Review: The Gospel According to Paul

Beneath the braggadocio and outrageous insults, actor Jonathan Biggins’ play offers deep insights on former prime Minister Paul Keating’s economic policies and ingrained sense of social justice.

Whether you’ve been awaiting or dreading the political second coming of former Australian prime minister Paul Keating, actor and writer Jonathan Biggins’ brilliantly informed one-man show should win your vote.

Every physical mannerism, facial tic, imposing stance, hangdog expression and vocal intonation of the boy from Bankstown is recreated with such nuanced accuracy that you may be forgiven for thinking you are watching the real deal.

Jonathan Biggins in The Gospel According to Paul. Picture: Brett Boardman, supplied

Particularly in profile, without the use of make-up or prosthetics, even Biggins’ face becomes a dead ringer for the Treasurer who would be PM.

More than just an amazing comic impression or straightforward theatrical biography, The Gospel According to Paul cleverly brings Keating’s thinking into the present day.

It puts forward what could very likely be his assessments of contemporary economic and social issues – as well as Australia’s current crop of would-be leaders – in a litany of acid-tongued observations.

And oh, what glorious insults they are. Rather than relying on his subject’s own historical remarks (a few of which are referred to in passing, almost as his greatest hits), Biggins has penned an outrageously devastating assortment of original put-downs which would make the actual Keating proud.

Jonathan Biggins in The Gospel According to Paul. Picture: Brett Boardman, supplied

Jonathan Biggins in The Gospel According to Paul. Picture: Brett Boardman, supplied

Political correctness be damned: This unsaintly Paul can assassinate characters even while championing their causes. The audience was fairly roiling in unbridled laughter.

Most importantly, beneath the braggadocio, Biggins’ play offers deep insights on Keating’s ingrained sense of social justice, his love of (and hurt caused to) family members, and his abiding passion for music from Motown to Mahler.

And yes, there’s an antique French clock on the mantelpiece.

The Gospel According to Paul

Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide

April 19 to May 1

Arts Centre Melbourne

May 11 to 23