Damian Callinan: The Lost WWI Diary

Australian comedian Damian Callinan is fascinated by war, a fascination fuelled by the discovery of an unidentified family photograph that ultimately led to the creation of his 2015 Adelaide Fringe performance, The Lost WWI Diary. 

Callinan portrays a range of fictional characters that are serving in The Great War. Deliberately anachronistic topical references are neatly packed into the lively plot and first-class stage presence and crowd-reading abilities complement the rich character development. Callbacks are executed impeccably and audience members engage accordingly. Unfortunately, the crowd interaction somewhat compromises the continuity of The Lost WWI Diary. For the most part the content is humorous, with larrikinism and mateship investigated deeply, and while the show brushes over sombre themes, it doesn’t linger there.

The Lost WW1 Diary thereby fails to critique the nature of war, however, and falls short in investigating – humorously or otherwise – the formation of Australian identity supposedly gained during the Gallipoli Campaign. Callinan opts for a less demanding approach; a confident, versed and funny production is the outcome.

Callinan’s efforts sit somewhere between a truce and a war; the combat plans are superbly drawn and the soldier’s well trained. Regrettably, the battle itself covers little territory. If a novel perspective on war, Australian culture and Gallipoli is what you seek, avoid conscription. Having said this, if you’re scoping for consistent giggles, clever writing and interactive comedy, enlist immediately.