Theatre – Queensland Law Revue’s “Les Billablés”

Brings Laughter and Raises Funds for a Good Cause.

The Queensland Law Revue has once again dazzled audiences with its latest production, “Les Billablés”.

Presented by Queensland Young Lawyers, this annual comedic stage show has been captivating audiences since 2015. Written and performed by barristers and solicitors, the show combines sketch comedy, musical parodies and videos. The aim is to foster collegiality and to promote positive perceptions of legal professionals through creative expression and humour.

This year’s show graced the stage for two nights in August at the Queensland Multicultural Centre at Kangaroo Point. After nine months of planning and preparation, the show came to life with the help of over 40 volunteers, including the cast, band, videographers, graphic designers and behind-the-scenes support.

The cast of “Les Billablés” featured barristers Peter Sams (Director), Philip Diaz, Stephanie Forward-Smith and Thea Hadok-Quadrio together with solicitors Dimity Sams (Convenor), Damien Quick, Dana Heriot, Genevieve Moore, James Taylor, Jessie Raynor, Lisa Cotton, Matthew Hendry, Beej Tracey and Victoria Lopez Vaquero.

The talented band included barrister Michael May and solicitors Ciara Furling, Daniel Trigger, Hannah Hewitt, Keenan Lee, Mark North, Nicholas Waight, Rory Brown, Scott Thompson, Vivian Zhang and Maddie Foster.

The show featured a diverse array of song parodies. Highlights included:

• “Court is Back” to the tune of Backstreet Boys’ “Backstreets Back”;
• “Top Biller” inspired by Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”;
• “Branded Tote Bag” set to Wheatus’ “Teenage Dirtbag”;
• “Costs to Follow” based on Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s “Shallow”;
• “Work from Home” parodying “Bring Him Home” from Les Misérables; and
• “Simply Contest” reimagining Tina Turner’s “Simply the Best”.

Perhaps the most relatable song for barristers was a witty rendition of Billy Joel’s “Piano Man,” re-titled “Barrister”, with lyrics including:

“He says, “Sir can you draft me a proceeding?My client could use one of thoseCause he’s mad as all hell, with a story to tellAnd you wear a barrister’s robes”La, la-la, di-di-daLa-la di-di-da da-dumTell me my case, you’re the barristerTell me that it is his rightCause we’ve promised the client a remedyAnd you’ve got the rest of the night”.

The sketches were equally witty, featuring:

• A mediator struggling to maintain composure as parties haggled in increments of a single cent;
• A whimsical sales yard for second-hand lawyers;
• A comedic take on a family court judge being asked by the parties to split a baby in two; and
• A pro bono legal clinic offering advice to an array of questionable characters in strange predicaments.

The pièce de resistance was a music video of “One Day More” from Les Misérables, reimagined as “One Case More”. You can watch the video on YouTube here.

All in all, the event was filled with laughter and camaraderie, showcasing the lighter side of the legal profession. In addition to the entertainment, the event also supported a worthy cause, raising over $1,700 for the Minds Count Foundation.

If you’re interested in getting involved next year, feel free to contact qldlawrevue@gmail.com

Left to right: Damien Quick, Thea Hadok-Quadrio, Beej Tracey, Stephanie Forward-Smith, Dimity Sams, Jessie Raynor, Matthew Hendry, Genevieve Moore and Lisa Cotton

Left to right: Genevieve Moore, Philip Diaz and Stephanie Forward-Smith

Left to right: Jessie Raynor and Peter Sams

Left to right: Matthew Hendry, Damien Quick and Thea Hadok-Quadrio