The performance seems to be constantly in danger of falling flat: bad puns, repetitive sequences, a disjointed song list and, of course, controversial comedy material. Yet it doesn’t. In fact these elements add to the very enjoyable production, which succeeds on a number of levels, revealing the intelligent wit of Olivier Award-winning creator Christopher Green.
On the most basic level, as a country music concert there is a lot of talent on the Beckett theatre’s stage. Tina commands the audience’s attention with her hypnotic stage presence, powerful voice and quick comic timing. The set list is supported by a brief history of Aboriginal (mispronounced to rhyme with ‘vaginal’) land rights through her informative ‘Aboriginal Monologues’. From a pop-rendition of what she believes to be our “national anthem” to a Kate Bush/Yothu Yindi mash-up, Tina C shines brighter than her sequined playsuit. The concert style of the show is accentuated by special guests James Henry, the grandson of Indigenous country singer Jimmy Little, and Auriel Andrew whose rendition of ‘Brown Skin Baby’ is beautifully heart-breaking, all satire and comedy aside.
As part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, many people will be more concerned with the comedic side to the performance – and they won’t be disappointed. The show finds a balance between obvious one-liners or exaggerated punch lines, and hilarious moments of confusion, the audience wondering how seriously to take Tina who manages to debate foreign policy while flirting with the front row.
Finally, Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word truly shines as a social commentary. The deeper meanings applied to the show are a testament to the preliminary work put into the production, that Tina C credits to her Indian researchers who work for $4 an hour. Under all the politically incorrect charm there is certainly some clever material. While jokes covering the price of coffee or our enduring capitalism are expected, causing a slight chuckle, others are more sincere, like the throwaway comments about ways Australia could legitimately solve land right issues. Regular comedy festival punters are sure to receive more than they may expect with Christopher Green’s invention; seamlessly discussing Q&A-worthy topics in the guise of a country music sing-along, lead by a Dolly Parton wannabe. Yee-haw y’all!
