In 1995 Geoffrey became the first person to put together a brilliant impersonation performance of ‘Banjo’ Paterson. Making his debut at the Waltzing Matilda centenary celebrations at Winton in North Queensland, it was a huge hit. The overwhelmingly response from teachers and the public was:
 ‘You have to get this into our schools…Australian kids must see this’!

As a result, the two hour family show led to a one-hour  school performance being offered as well and has become an integral part of Geoffrey’s stable of performances.

Banjo’s anecdotal poetry and stories reflected his differing occupations during his life; from his upbringing, to being a War Correspondent in the Boer War, witnessing federation and the aftermath of the Great War.
 
Geoffrey was raised with ‘Banjo’, as his father would recite his ‘Banjo’s ‘poetry around the kitchen table to all his children. Paterson was one of Australia’s greatest writers and his famous pieces are easily accessible by young and old alike. For this reason, Geoffrey felt that school children would appreciate the word-pictures created and he facilitates the imagination by using costumes and character voices.

A highlight of the show is Geoffrey’s version of ‘The Man from Ironbark’ involving the audience as well as the fascinating audience response to the character…’Is he really Banjo?’

With audience interaction, humour, drama and music Geoffrey explains elements of 'Banjo' Paterson's life and his works. Included are classics like The Man from Snowy River, Mulga Bill's Bicycle and The Bush Christening.
This performance is educational and entertaining and lets students see the persona of one of the greatest Bush Poets in our history.
The show is suitable for Grades 4 to 12, and the material used can be varied according to the age level of the students. Requests for particular poems can be made from a selection of over 3 hours of material.

Applicable units: English, Drama, History
Outcome: An insight into Australian Poetry and a great Australian. 

FOR BOOKINGS

Testimonials
"Excellent! Brought a long gone poet to life"... Marshall Gordon, The Hall State School
"All Australians must see this show. A real breath of the Bush" Bruce Simpson - Poet

Gladys and Alan Gunns

"All Australians must see this show.
A real breath of the Bush"
Bruce Simpson - Poet

The New South Wales Department of Education and Training has a section called Perfomances for Schools. This Unit oversees performances in NSW schools and authorises those shows that meet the standard set by the Dpartment. In the Unit's Publications sent to schools and on the Department's Web site, their comments on "The man" include:

With audience interaction, humour, drama and music, Geoffrey Graham explains elements of 'Banjo' Paterson's life and his works. Included are classics like "The Man from Snowy River", "Mulga Bill's Bicycle" and of course "The Man from Ironbark". This performance is educational, entertaining and lets students see the persona of one of the greatest Bush Poets in our history. As the well-known presenter of Banjo's works, Geoffrey creates a stunning impersonation.

FORMAT Suitability: Grades 4 to 12. Duration: One hour.
Subject emphasis: History, English, Drama, Music, poetry & Social Ed.
Teachers notes available.
 

For more information on this or other performances or merchandise, please call!

FOR BOOKINGS