‘Everyone in Adelaide speaks kinda weird’: The Betoota Advocate heads south

The Betoota Advocate has never been kind to South Australians. ‘Adelaide Still Trying with this Radelaide Thing’ read one headline from the faux-small town, satirical paper. ‘Bloke on the Indian Pacific confirms Adelaide more boring than Nullarbor Plain’ was another. But it’s all in good fun. Speaking with The Adelaide Review about the Betoota’s upcoming live show at the Gov, editor-at-large Errol Parker keeps those zingers coming. “Everyone in Adelaide speaks kinda weird,” he says – lampooning our effete mannerisms with a deft wit reminiscent of the late Dorothy Parker – “with your big open mouths, and R.M. Williams boots.”

It is that lovable brand of searing social criticism that has seen the paper grow from a small two-man operation in 2014 into a sprawling and, surely, massively profitable two-man operation today. From Betoota Bitter to Betoota Outfitters, and now, having embarked on a mammoth 13-stop national tour, there is seemingly no revenue stream The Betoota Advocate is willing to leave untapped.

“The PM launched our book,” boasts Parker, referring to the recently ousted Malcolm Turnbull, who was spotted cosying up to the editors on a number of occasions. Clearly, Parker doesn’t have high hopes for Turnbull’s successor, Scott Morrison. “The leader, now, is more of a nightwatchman,” he says. “I’ve heard they’re not printing tea towels with the prime ministers on them, down in Parliament house gift shop, until after the next election.”

Ever the generous neighbour, Adelaide continues to provide inspiration to East Coast comedy writers (via Betoota Advocate)

Shows on the tour are being billed as a “brutally honest 90-minute presentation” in which the editors share their insight into “how, in this day and age, they have managed to keep a newspaper in the black”.

At the upcoming Adelaide show, specifically, what can ticket holders expect? “A fair amount of audience participation,” warns Parker. “Be prepared.”

Throughout, he will be joined by fellow editor Clancy Overell. In fair-dinkum, true-blue, country-boy style, the lads plan to have a good laugh at the top end of town. The show will skewer “hob knobs up on the hill”.

It’s sure to be an absolute scream.

The Betoota Advocate Roadshow
Wednesday, November 21
The Gov
Tickets