Local knowledge

The stroke of two found me at Randwick Labor Club for the one-bloke show "A Local Man". Written by Bob Ellis and Robin McLachlan and fantastically performed by Tony Barry, it documents the life and legacy of former Aussie PM Ben Chifley. The play takes place during a single night as the ailing pollie potters in his modest kitchen and lounge, dictates his memoirs, tries to compose a rousing farewell speech and fields phone calls from colleagues and friends. BC survived a brutal childhood, worked his way from railway apprentice to the nation's highest office, and never betrayed his ideals or his party. Is it any wonder the crew were wearing "Bring back the Chif" T-shirts?

Trivia: In the spirited post-show Q&A, I realised comedian John "Rampaging Roy Slaven" Doyle was sitting in front of me, while broadcaster Caroline Jones ("Australian Story") was behind.