News that
Julia Gillard has enlisted the scriptwriting services of stand-up comedian
Corinne Grant comes as no surprise. But Corinne will struggle to maintain the
high comedic standards.
Who can
forget gems such as “There will be no carbon tax under the government I lead,” said
with a straight face? Or the hilarious “I am the best person to lead this
country,” a line delivered with all the quixotic defiance of Python’s Black
Knight.
Julia’s deft
touch involves taking what we know and twisting it with biting sarcasm: “What I've said to Kevin is I think that this is the best (time
for him) to spend more time with his family, which I know is one of his key
priorities."
As Corinne knows, the set-up is always important in
writing a killer gag. Having dismissed the Howard government’s Pacific Solution
as “costly… and wrong in principle” Julia them embarked upon a series of
side-splitting alternatives. "In recent days I have discussed with
President Ramos-Horta of East Timor the possibility of establishing a regional
processing centre” got a few laughs, but nothing like the awesome satirical
irony of the Malaysian solution.
Students of stand-up will
study the Gillard technique for years. On tackling climate change: "A
representative group of Australians drawn from all walks of life will help move
us forward," was funny enough, but Julia milked it to the hilt: "The
committee concluded that in view of the creation of this committee that the
proposal of a citizens' assembly should not be implemented."
Every great comedian has a predictable catch-phrase.
“Just like that!” was Tommy Cooper’s, used whenever calamity struck. Julia has
her own punchline for whenever she stuffs up: “Mr. Abbott will need to take the responsibility
for that.” It’s a good gag, but it’s wearing a bit thin. Over to you, Corinne.
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