The Siege of Frank Sinatra

The Siege of Frank Sinatra is an Australian play by Denis Whitburn.

Premise

Two journalists are assigned to cover the negotiations between Bob Hawke and Frank Sinatra during the 1974 Sinatra tour of Australia.

Background

Whitburn wrote the play in 1977. He called the original event "a complete misuse of media and union power."
The play made its world debut at the Griffin in 1980. "Whitburn writes really rowdy dialogue," said Bob Ellis, who owned the theatre. "It smells of Williamson".

Reception

The Sun Herald called it "a sadly funny comedy." The Sydney Morning Herald said "there is one reason, one reason only, but sufficient, for seeing this play and that is a comic macarbe performance of manic enregy by Max Cullen."

Other productions

The play was produced in the US in 1982.
Original star Max Cullen appeared in a 1998 revival. Reviewing this, the Sun Herald said "rarely have I seen a production where the first act is so dreary and the second such compelling theatre." The Sydney Morning Herald said "Cullen's skill makes this a treat to watch."