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This review is based-off the Opening Night performance - 05/09/23
Justin Smith as Gough Whitlam & the cast of THE DISMISSAL
Photo by David Hooley
As a young person going into a musical about an event that occurred almost 50 years ago, I had absolutely zero idea what the show was going to be about.
I knew there was a guy named Gough Whitlam who was PM until another guy named John Kerr dismissed him because he was allowed to do that as he had connections with the Queen of England (or something along those lines). You might be like me, not knowing any of the details about the events that occurred back in 1975, but I’m pretty certain that not too many people were conscious of the details regarding Alexander Hamilton’s life, and now that’s one of the largest and most well-known musicals in history… So “not knowing enough to enjoy it” is not a valid excuse to miss it.
I'm usually rather unimpressed with new musicals, they always have great casts, but they seem to generally lack in the place that really counts - the material. But when it comes to THE DISMISSAL, this is not the case by the slightest. This musical has WITHOUT A DOUBT some of the strongest material I have ever heard in a new musical. It's bold, It's smart, It's funny, It is just everything you could ask for. Jay James-Moody and Blake Erickson's book is utterly hilarious, with more references packed into it than you could ever guess would fit, and the thing is... they work! The references and jokes never stop being witty and funny. Laura Murphy's songs were epic and the lyrics were phenomenal, though I didn't seem to be leaving the Seymour Centre singing the songs in my head, like I often do after a show. I'm not sure if it was the fact it was the first time I've ever heard the music, but It just didn't stick with me. In saying this, I am 110% confident that If a cast album was released I would have it on repeat and would learn the songs in an instant, so I'll give the material the benefit of the doubt when it comes to that.
But even the greatest of material wont work without a great cast, and this crew goes above and beyond to deliver some incredibly impressive performances . Justin Smith as Gough Whitlam is really close to a case of perfect casting. Smith's portrayal of Whitlam is just one of those things that feel's so right, you don't even know how it managed to happen. Justin isn't not the only case of that occurring in this cast though, as Matthew Whittet's performance of Norman Gunston is utterly incredible. From the most minute details of his posture, to the next level voice impression - if I didn't know any better, I would've truly thought I was watching the real Norman Gunston on that stage. There were plenty more outstanding vocals from the entire cast, but some special mentions to Brittanie Shipway's powerhouse singing as Margaret Whitlam, as well as Monique Sallé who was on top of her game during her triple performance as Billy Sneddon, Tirath Khemlani and Queen Elizabeth II. And lastly, Peter Carroll brought delightfully funny and devious traits in his role of Sir Garfield Barwick, a character I grew to enjoy more as the show continued.
Matthew Whittet as Norman Gunston
Photo by David Hooley
The production design is next-level awesome. The costumes are spot-on, and the lighting and set is just phenomenal. The set having 3 levels with multiple steps separating them allows moments of power-differences to be clearly acknowledged. The split-flap display above the stage is the most perfect addition of the entire set though, it allows the place and time to be clearly set without projections or added dialogue. The direction is also brilliant, really utilizing every inch of the Seymour Centre space. I do although, believe the choreography falls a little flat in comparison to the rest of the show. Don't get me wrong, it really was wonderful, It just left something to be desired.
The main flaw, which I was warned about beforehand and can understand where they're coming from, is that it just runs a bit long. I mean, I would rather see a show that's too long rather than too short, but it's disappointing when it's clear which moments, although great, did not need to make the final cut. The first act seems to have more of these moments than the second, most notably when we are introduced to Tirath Khemlani. They've got a scene that is already running for a little too long, that is then followed by a song that also feels like it runs too long. Although a major moment in the plot, It could have all been condensed to just a song, utilizing dialogue from Rex Connor's scene in the beginning and then followed by Tirath's song. Despite the upwards of 100-minute run time for a single act, act 1 was fabulous - bringing the laughs and top-notch writing promised in the promotional materials. Then when it came to the second act, I had high hopes, and it was definitely awesome, just not AS awesome as the first act (although act 2 had a perfect run time - not too short and not too long). There didn't seem to be as much attention put into it as the first, and there was 1 number that just seemed unpolished (the song consisted of all the cast wearing gloves and top hats - i can't remember any of the song’s names as it wasn’t clear during the number what it’s title was).
Octavia Barron Martin as Sir John Kerr
Photo by David Hooley
At some point during the show, the person I was seeing the show with turns to me and goes "This is our HAMILTON". And it's true. There will never be a PERFECT show, but with some minor tweaks, this one really could be close to it.
So yes, SquaabaLogic & Watershed's THE DISMISSAL truly is the next best thing.
So the only questions now are; when are we getting the cast recording and the ability to license the show? oh and WHY HAVEN'T YOU BOUGHT YOUR TICKETS!?
THE DISMISSAL is running at The Seymour Centre in Sydney until the 21st of October, Tickets from $84 through the THE DISMISSAL website, linked below:
Written by Seb Smee
with select notes from Macauley Blissett
Produced by We Talk Theatre
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We Talk Theatre:
WTT Website - www.wetalktheatre.com
WTT Email - wetalktheatre@gmail.com
WTT Insta - www.instagram.com/wetalktheatre
WTT TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@wetalktheatre
WTT Facebook - www.facebook.com/WeTalkTheatre
Seb Smee (Producer & Presenter) - www.instagram.com/sbsmee
Jack Marshall (Presenter) -www.instagram.com/jckmarshall
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