Review: DEAD MEN TALKING DEVILISHLY GOOD FUN at Pitt St Uniting Church

A long-time favourite among Australian audiences, Dead Men Talking made a one-night stop in Sydney to tell the next chapter in the lives of two of the nation's best-known writers. In a fantastically irreverent move, the premise is Henry Lawson and Banjo Patterson meeting up in Heaven to carry on a sharp but friendly rivalry singing, reciting and re-inventing traditional prose, poetry and song. Pitt St Uniting Church provided a wonderful setting, for all the there were some audio issues that impacted somewhat for the mostly mature-age audience.

Proving that it's never over, Dead Men Talking was created by actor Max Cullen and writer/historian/musician Warren Fahey to make what has turned into a burgeoning enterprise from their respective talents and success paying tribute to Australian literary legends.

Warren Fahey's portrayal of Andrew "Banjo" Patterson set the place on fire with his sharp tongue and musical ingenuity, set well against Max Cullen's well-fleshed-out Henry Lawson who played far more light and shade. Where much Australian theatre is collecting up modern influences, it was wonderful to be entertained by something so rooted in figures of our roots, even if they were fresh-colonialists!

Dead Men Talking has several dates coming up around the country, and for its independent, boutique and genuine portrayal of stories too easily lost, be sure to support this pair of larrikins. This one-night-only showing was part of Spectrum Now Festival, be sure to check out their program for more.

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