Sydney Reviews

Left - Kate Miller-Heidke. Cover - David Wenham and cast. Photos - James Morgan

To paraphrase Jerry Springer in the first act, it is easy to occupy the moral high ground, but much harder to occupy the moral low ground. Jerry Springer: The Opera gives it a damn good shot however. This is opera for South Park fans and, be warned, there is plenty of blasphemy of both the vulgar and religious kinds.

The Jerry Springer Show, still running today, peaked in popularly in the mid to late 90’s. The show reached new depths in low-brow culture, proudly boasting that it was one hour of your life, you’d never get back. Everyday stereotypical American trailer trash would come on and tell all to their supposed loved ones. This dirty laundry was anything from sleeping with the wife’s best friend, to being impregnated by a transsexual. This wasn’t an exercise in conflict resolution so much as conflict escalation. The show became infamous for chair throwing and even fights between women.

Stewart Lee and Richard Thomas had previously written a show called Tourette’s Diva about a dysfunctional couple singing obscenities to each other. Logically, they then went on to tackle Springer’s filth ridden talk show. They ran workshops where they asked for feedback in exchange for some free booze. With the help of some particularly fine beverages, characters such as Tremont the Chick-With-A-Dick and Montel the nappy man emerged.

The first act is a parody of The Jerry Springer Show complete with audience members who heckle and chant. Extreme vulgarities sung with sweet voice are comedy gold in anyone’s language. Another highlight is the commercials sung by audience members. These try to flog off everything a stereotypical Southern American would want including guns for the whole family.

And where would we be without those shocking secrets. None more shocking than Montel (Lawrence Clayton) who reveals to his girlfriend Andrea (Ursula Yovich) that he quite literally wants to be treated like a baby. Together with his secret partner in all things infantile, Baby Jane (Kate Miller-Heidke), he has an overwhelming desire to poo in his nappy. The show avoids passing judgement on any of the character’s sexual tastes in making all characters equally ridiculous.

Jerry himself is the main target of the satire. Running for congress in 1970, the real life Jerry Springer had an unsuccessful career in politics, then got into journalism and radio. The Jerry Springer Show started in 1991 as a political talk show but was revamped in 1994 due to poor ratings. He is portrayed wonderfully by David Wenham, as a man who sailed the seas of sluttery and just got lucky. Ultimately he does this for fame and money, his pseudo counseling questions such as “And How does that make you feel?", are clearly ineffectual rubbish. Jerry is nothing without his cards.

The second act is more opera then musical. Kate Miller-Heidke impresses with a great vocal range. After being shot by Montel (apparently a big baby can still pack a pistol) Jerry descends into hell, accompanied by his guests who have all met unfortunate ends as a result of their deviant behaviour. Springer’s task is to get Jesus (Lawrence Clayton), to apologise to Satan (David Bedella) live on television.

As you’ve probably heard the second act contains a lot of blasphemy. Christian groups world wide have been outraged. When the BBC aired a recording of the show in 2005, they received 63,000 complaints. However, the blasphemy is justifiable because the over-the-top absurdly filthy tone of the show has been set, so it is clear that nothing on offer here is to be taken seriously. You’d think the religious and morally sensitive in the audience will have scampered off long before now anyway. It should also be noted that Jesus is clearly wearing a loin cloth not a nappy despite several misleading reports floating around the internet.

In trademark Springer style, I’ll end with a final thought. What we have here is a wonderfully over the top dose of filth. Although not for those with high moral or religious convictions, it is a great night out, jam packed with genuine belly laughs.


Sydney Opera House presents
Jerry Springer: The Opera

Director Gale Edwards

Venue: Concert Hall | Sydney Opera House
Dates: 21 April - 26 April
Duration: 2.5 hours including one 20 minute interval
Visit: www.sydneyoperahouse.com