Question: How can the Federal Opposition party unseat the incumbent and unflappable Prime Minister John Howard?
Answer: Emulate Treasurer Peter Costello’s tactics’and become a showbiz superstar.

At first, it seems like a preposterous proposal. But according to Jim Jones MP’member for Kalgoorlie (and love child of Tom Jones)’it’s the only way forward for the directionless Labor cohort. Jim (played by Jim Lawson) firmly believes that the current crop of Labor politicians are severely lacking in star quality’a trait inherent in our Federal Treasurer. How could we forget the charisma exuding from Mr Costello as he appeared on the ‘Mornings with Kerri-Anne’ show, enveloped by a boa constrictor? These types of antics are used as an instructive manual for members of the Opposition as they battle in vain for federal power.

The audience (or, members of the Opposition faction) are treated to motivational speeches and a litany of musical numbers, notably ‘Iran, Iraq’ (to the tune of ‘New York, New York’), or the unnerving brilliance of What’s New Peter Costello Whoa Whoa! The latter number sees Jim reduced to a lusty, ravenous caveman, unable to contain his libidinous desire for Costello’s ’smirky-smirk’. One feels flustered at the very thought of it!

There’s a fair degree of audience participation, especially since there were only five people watching the show at the time of review. Consequently, the atmosphere was lacking, and a few gags failed to reach their potential as a result. It’s a shame, really, because it was an intelligent show’it just needed a greater audience to ensure maximum impact on delivery.

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