The Dismissal

Everything depicted in this musical happened exactly as presented—including all the singing and dancing.

11 NOVEMBER 1975, 4:45PM.

Newly deposed Prime Minister Gough Whitlam descends the steps of Parliament House to rage against his dismissal by Governor-General Sir John Kerr, who has replaced him with the opposition leader, Malcolm Fraser. A scoop of reporters throng toward him—chief among them Gold Logie-winner, beloved larrikin, and Wollongong’s favourite son: Norman Gunston.

Half a century later, Norman returns to deliver a rollicking, razor-sharp musical account of Australia’s epic constitutional crisis. “The best Australian musical of the century” (Audrey Journal) will have you revelling through this all-singing, all-dancing, all-mud-slinging retelling of the monumental events that brought our country to its knees.

In the spirit of Keating, SIX, and The Wharf Revue comes “Australia’s answer to Hamilton” (The Sydney Morning Herald)—a toe-tapping journey through time, a wry commentary on Australian history, and a confronting portrait of our national character.

With unimpeachable wit, electrifying music, and a big heart, this ambitious world premiere doubles as both a reckoning for the nation’s soul and a sensational night out, stirring audiences across generations and political persuasions.

It’s (show) time.

Image credit: Rene Vaile and Kenney Designs