It’s an unlikely claim.
Wayne Tunks shares with us some of his family history and a lot of his love life.
Spliced into his monologue are Madonna lyrics (which made me aware of how few of her songs I know.)
I’m not exactly sure what Tunks has learned from Madonna. But his tale is engaging; funny at times, and at other times offering insight into the challenges of navigating romance and expressing sexual identity.
Photo by Katy Green Loughrey
The “Everything I Know I Learnt From….” aspect of the title is cheekily appropriated, and suggests much about the tone of this show: confessional and playful.
Does everyone have mentors? Perhaps. Mine are Simone Weil and Catherine of Siena. (I’m guessing Tunks doesn’t know any of their songs either.)
Years ago I was doing a tour of the Whyalla steel works. (Remember, mentor Simone Weil). We met the guide in a lunch room that was adorned with a single safety poster. “Smart People Learn” it said. I laughed. And have been thinking about it ever since.
What have I learnt? And how do I learn? These questions must be asked. They’re the path to wisdom and happiness. The unexamined life is not worth living, says Socrates. Though not as amusingly as Wayne Tunks.
Veronica Kaye
Everything I Know I Learnt From Madonna
written and performed by Wayne Tunks
Old Fitzroy Theatre until 22nd Feb
Theatre Red 
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