For 19 years now, around this time, the Wharf Revue has hit the stage, its satirical skewering of politicians at home and abroad always coming as a welcome relief and a real tonic. Tickets disappear fast, and house full signs are pretty well assured.

This year, while the show has been written by the original team of Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe and Phillip Scott, only Forsythe actually appears on stage. He is joined by Simon Burke, Lena Cruz and Helen Dallimore, with Andrew Worboys as Musical Director, who leaves the keyboard now and then to take part in various sketches. (Biggins puts in a brief appearance on screen as God.)

Simon Burke as Scott Morrison and Drew Forsythe as Clive Palmer. Photo © Brett Boardman

Because the Wharf is still closed for renovations, the Revue has moved to the Roslyn Packer Theatre. Presented on a flashier, glossier set than usual, designed by Charles Davis, with a dazzling array of costumes and wigs, and lighting by Matt Cox, the production more than holds its own in the bigger venue.

The vaudeville-inspired staging includes a large screen at the back, which has a Looney Tunes-type image on...