Our Rudd stimulus package spending spree is but a memory and the global financial crisis didn't turn out to be the end of civilisation as we know it.

But despite some of the topics being slightly old news, this satirical show was captivating, from the opening lines of the first song, Pennies From Kevin to the climax (and I use that word reluctantly) when Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi tries to seduce ambassador to Rome, Amanda Vanstone.

Newcomer to the Wharf Revue, Virginia Gay, more than holds her own with Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe and Phillip Scott. Her portrayals of Julia Gillard, Amanda Vanstone and Penny (kd lang) Wong are wicked.

The show moves seamlessly from a 1920s song and dance routine into the sketch Kevin Potter and the Lower Chamber of Secrets, comparing our fearless political leaders with dishevelled school kids hopelessly out of their depth.

The Wharf Revue cast members cast their own spells, turning themselves into caricatures of our favourite - and not-so favourite - pollies right before our eyes.

There was plenty of Kevin-sent material, from the way he asks himself questions before delivering the answers, to his bureaucrat-speak.

Concerns that Rudd is too bland for satire are misplaced.

However, it's always fun to see old "friends" such as "dismal haemorrhoid" Paul Keating, Gough Whitlam and Little Johnny (Howard Days Are Here Again) make a comeback.

No-one was spared - apart from Tony Abbott - which is a glaring oversight. Apart from the odd reference to "the mad monk", there was a distinct lack of Abbot kicking.

The Democrats in Heaven skit was a flat spot and definitely past its use-by date.

The topic of climate change was the stimulus for the song Blundering Copenhagen and for a new take on the Four Yorkshiremen routine bemoaning the fact that climate change and the solar industry means the demise of the grand tradition of the colliery brass band.

Scott and Biggins were disturbingly appealing as The Supremes singing back-up to Gay's Michelle Obama belting out The Leader is Barrack.

The highlight was Amanda Vanstone (La Dolce Big Eater) on a Roman holiday.

We know we shouldn't laugh at cheap shots at the woman's weight but the way Gay lumbered across the stage was enough to elicit plenty of belly laughs.

It's so wrong, but laughing at Vanstone never gets old.

Pennies From Kevin is on at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre

Tickets: $10-$54,

phone 4224 5999