In a world of war, tension and uncertainty, local entertainer and historian Colin Mockett is “very proud” of his latest show.
Imagine, meticulously researched by Mockett and performed by him and accomplished guitarist Adam Parsons, traces the journey of Beatle John Lennon from carefree young rock and roll star to the searching soul who became an advocate for world peace – and penned what has been lauded as the most influential song of the 20th century.
“We start with a song, one song, which is Imagine,” Mockett said.
“In 1999 the BBC held a worldwide poll over the internet to come up with a list of the best things of the 20th century; the best sportsman, best leader, the best artist, the best image.
“And we start with that list. And among these, a hands-down winner, not the least bit controversial, was the best song of the 20th century, which was Imagine.
“One of the early songs Lennon wrote was another ‘imagine’ one, ‘Imagine I’m in love with you’ (I’ll Get You). He wrote that when he was in his 20s, so we take that as the next song after Imagine, and then we trace the journey that he took to mature into writing the best song of the 20th century.”
Having researched, developed and performed more than 100 of these music history deep dives over the past 21 years, Mockett believes this latest show is one of his most pertinent to the world we live in.
“He was trying to bring peace to an American war in Asia,” he said.
“We could do with a John Lennon now trying to bring peace to three different conflicts; two in the Middle East and one in Ukraine.”
Imagine is at the Bellarine Arts Centre (formerly the Potato Shed) on Tuesday 10 March. Visit geelongaustralia.com.au/bellarineartscentre for tickets and more information.
