John Shortis and Moya Simpson make light of the dark this weekend at Tanja’s Navigate Arts. Photo: Supplied.
We’ve almost survived 2019 and if you have spent it pouring over news stories full of angst and sadness, it might be time for a look in the rear vision mirror through the lens of comedy, because sometimes all you can do is laugh!
Long-standing Canberra comedians John Shortis and Moya Simpson, who specialize in political satire, are coming to the Bega Valley this Sunday (November 17) to remind us ‘How Good Is 2019!’ at Navigate Arts in The Old Tanja Church.
“We do get exhausted with hearing all the things that are going wrong,” acknowledges Navigate Arts Artistic Director Lousie Morris, “I think comedy is often the best way to start a conversation and engage with meaningful issues.”
Shortis and Simpson are producers, writers and performers of original and innovative productions and projects which will satisfy fans of political satire, comedy and entertainment with their unique look back at the year when the unwinnable election was won.
John Shortis writes songs and scripts, plays keyboard, and spends hours reading newspapers and delving into libraries and archives and Moya Simpson sings, mimics accents, plays characters, and has a passion for Eastern European music.
Louise recalls seeing the duo perform throughout the ’90s in Canberra and says they deliver “fantastic satire, always right on the pulse.”
The interior of the Tanja church and owners Matthew Scott and Louise Morris. Photo: Elka Wood.
Walk down memory lane with Shortis and Simpson and watch Abbott fall off his bike, the polls go up the pole, and Shorten falling short.
Laugh as Greenland is almost sold, journalists are raided by the AFP, a cardinal loses his appeal, and Aldi shopping bags become the new method of making political donations.
The election gave us ScoMo, the ALP gave us Albo, and Brexit gave us BoJo so John Shortis and Moya Simpson (JoSho and Simmo) reckon that all you can do is laugh.
“Shortis and Simpson are seasoned professionals, hugely popular on the folk festival circuit and they’ve been doing this for a long time so all you need to do is sit back and laugh the afternoon away,” says Louise.
The old Tanja church is a unique location and being in a peaceful bush setting is part of the experience of every performance.
“With daylight savings in effect, we’re trying out an earlier start time, because we know many people would rather not drive home in the dark,” explains Louise.
Light refreshments will be available for purchase.
Tickets for How Good is 2019! Are available for $25 online at the Navigate Arts website and $30 at the door. One show only, Sunday, November 17 from 4 pm to 6:30 pm.
For upcoming events and more information, please visit Navigate Arts.
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