The Aunty Jack Show is an iconic Australian television program that first aired in 1972 on the ABC network. Set in the fictional town of Wollongong, the show is a satirical sketch comedy that pokes fun at Australian culture and politics. The show is hosted by Aunty Jack, a larger-than-life character played by the talented Grahame Bond. Aunty Jack is a tough, no-nonsense woman who dresses in a hideous yellow and black tracksuit and carries a large hook-hand in place of her missing right hand. She is often seen driving around in her yellow panel van, played up as a symbol of Australian suburban life, which she uses to kidnap unsuspecting characters and bring them back to her lair for re-education.
Aunty Jack is joined by a cast of characters, including Thin Arthur, played by John Derum, and Narrator Neville, played by Rory O'Donoghue. Thin Arthur is the yin to Aunty Jack's yang - a timid, skinny man who is constantly being bullied by Aunty Jack. Narrator Neville is the voice of reason, providing the audience with context and commentary on the bizarre situations that unfold throughout the show.
One of the most memorable aspects of The Aunty Jack Show is its musical numbers. The show contains a number of original songs, written and performed by the cast, that have become cult classics. The most well-known of these is the show's theme song, "Farewell Aunty Jack," which opens every episode and encourages viewers to "rip up the carpet and let the sound come through."
The Aunty Jack Show is notable for its irreverent and controversial humor. The show tackles taboo subjects like homosexuality, prostitution, and drug use, often using crude language and innuendo. It also incorporates elements of surrealism and absurdity, with bizarre props and costumes.
Despite its edgy content, The Aunty Jack Show was a huge success in Australia, with viewers tuning in week after week to see what outrageous antics Aunty Jack and her cohorts would get up to next. The show was praised for its clever writing, unforgettable characters, and biting satire of Australian society.
After two seasons, The Aunty Jack Show came to an end in 1973, but its legacy lives on. The show has become a beloved cultural touchstone in Australia, with many of its catchphrases and songs still remembered and referenced today. It is also credited with paving the way for a new era of Australian comedy, inspiring future generations of satirists and humorists.
In conclusion, The Aunty Jack Show is a groundbreaking television program that continues to resonate with audiences today. Its irreverent humor, unforgettable characters, and iconic musical numbers have cemented its place in Australian pop culture history, and it remains a beloved classic of the genre.
The Aunty Jack Show is a series that ran for 3 seasons (17 episodes) between November 15, 1972 and on ABC