"Banjo"

I saw this at the Playhouse last Friday evening. Basically, it is a one-actor play, written and performed by Barry Crocker, who I had previously only ever thought of as a cabaret performer.
I have a special interest in the subject matter, being the life and works of 'bush poet laureate' AB Paterson. I feel that his particular art form is not given the prominence it deserves in our eductaion system, largely because it is still not regarded as 'real' poetry by academia.
I was quite pleased with Crocker's treatment though. As writer, he managed to include most of the highlights of Banjo's career, including his acquaintances with Henry Lawson, 'Breaker' Morant and Rudyard Kipling and as actor, he moved easily and convincingly between time frames. His broader talents served him well in that he was able to include songs and rhymes in the performance, all while holding his audience with his meticulous sense of comic timing.
I was only slightly disappointed that the music in this show was taped - a small acoustic group would have added greatly to the ambience. Also, while Crocker delivered the immortal lines of "Clancy" and "The Man" with the polish of a seasoned actor, he did not put the passion into them that I have heard some amateur local contemporary bush poets do.
In all though, very entertaining and a good shot in the arm for 'Aussie' culture.