Summer Heights High

Chris Lilley brings that type of comedy that would offend the modern day snowflake. However, if you are like me and love that type of offensive comedy, you will love it.

I first watched Summer Heights High when it first came out and have watched it semi-regularly ever since. SHH is by far one of the funniest things I have ever seen - the characters are so varied but timeless. Perfect if you have a wicked sense if humour whilst giving an insight into Australia.

Taking a Borat approach to High School here is a tongue-in-cheek series brilliantly directed and performed by Chris Lilley. In a hilarious no-holds barred representation of 'school these days – with boys and perves and sex and drugs (where) it's not like it used to be ...' Lilley's theatrical vividness comes to life. Three characters equivalently blunt in their opinions co-exist at Summer Heights High School. The three main characters all acted by Lilley; Mr G – the eccentric, 'camp' drama teacher, Jonah Takalua the Polynesian school scapegoat and smart-arse and Ja'mie the pretentious and elitist Hilford Girls exchange student all guarantee a laugh in the series. This is a satirical look at public schools, 'the worst place in Australia, where you can go get anorexia.' Playing on various truths and myths about public education, the school has all the necessary ingredients to prove microcosmic of schools today. There is Mr G's drama production, where a school play is written, directed and performed about the dangers of public education, discrimination towards Jonah and attitude to counter attacks made on him. There is also discrimination in Mr G's casting of his play towards disabled and less talented children , and bitchiness within Ja'mie's friendship group of 'public school skanks,' as well as the typical unruly classroom environment created by the class clown - Jonah. The show offers a students view of school as we know it. Though satirical, it makes a serious point about the need for change in public schools and public perception of public schools as seen through Ja'mie's character. Mr G in his musical production composes the song 'School these days –(stating) you'd have to be a fool these days, to wanna go to school these days.' Just one of the many musical scores bound to sound in your head for days and even months after viewing the series. This is a show that resonates with its audience while having us in stitches. With the suggestion of it being integrated into schools' syllabus, it may also stitch up school wrongs in time to save nine before a 'puck you with a P' revolution. For those who can't handle the candor of the series, in the words of Ja'mie, need to 'learn what a sense of humour is and just build a bridge and get over it.' This is a must see for adults and children alike.

Chris Lilley is a comedic genius. His first series, "We Can Be Heroes" was a excellent slice of humour and realistic satire. He has pulled it off again with Summer Heights High, a mockumentary following three different people who attend the high school Summer Heights High.

We have Jonah, probably the most loved character, a 13 year old boy from Tonga who has some big issues. He has no respect for his teachers and he constantly swears and graffitis. His only joy seems to come from Gumnut College where is is developing his own personal story.

Ja'mie is a transfer student from Hillford Girls Grammar School, an extremely upper class school which is totally different from SHH, which is your average public school. She befriends a group of girls and is constantly looking down on everyone and trying to organize events that will lift school spirit.

Finally, there is Mr. G (my personal favourite), an eccentric and very feminine Drama teacher. His methods are odd, he is extremely full of himself and his new musical "Annabel: The Musical" is about ecstasy.

We follow these characters and all their misfortunes and aspirations. The show is always funny but it is always realistic. It captures everything perfectly from the state of public schools (no offense), students with ADD, what people from private school are like and how teachers cope with hardships. Chris Lilley is an immensely talented man and I cannot wait to see what he does next.

5/5

Chris Lilley, who has acted as several different characters in other shows like Big Bite and We Can Be Heroes, demonstrates his great acting ability. He has researched students and teachers at schools, which was good move. Just go to any school and you can see Ja'mie and Jonah and maybe even Mr. G!

This mockumentary does not only demonstrate realistic characters but some hilarious scenes! Perhaps Mr. G gets the best ones, but although also some scenes are a bit painful to watch (mainly Ja'mie) this works well in the recipe of the show because of its humour.

I would recommend this to anyone who can stand listening to a bit of swearing-and the ending is one that will not be forgotten. Even if you are not remotely interested in public high schools it is a fantastic and highly enjoyable watch.

10/10