Damian Callinan in ‘The Lost WW1 Diary’

Obsessed from a young age by the Anzac legend and intrigued by the mystery surrounding the identity of two diggers from a family photo, Damian sets out on a quest to put names to the faces. Whilst holidaying in Warrnambool, the discovery of a war diary in an op shop finally linked him to the legend. A renowned stand up and character comedian, Callinan (Backyard Ashes, Spicks & Specks, skithouse, 774ABC) brings to life the pages of the diary as we meet Paddy Callinan and his ‘push’ as they set off for ‘The Big Show’. Along the way we meet Stanza, the prankster poet; Bluey, the outspoken union leader; Mocka, the inarticulate crack shot; Depot, the scrounger and Pirate, whose ability to talk could be the weapon that turns the war.
Callinan combines detailed research, hilarious but believable characterisations, black humour, absurdity and deft writing to swing the mood of the story from rollicking farce to aching pathos in a heart beat.
“Some performances move you with such force they’re in your thoughts well after the theatre lights dim and you’ve left the venue. This is one of them ... We laughed, we gasped, we wiped tears from our eyes. Memorable, Moving, Brilliant!” - Adelaide Advertiser - 5 stars