Timmy The Doc!

The University of Western Australia (UWA) has awarded Tim the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters, for his contribution to the arts, recognising his outstanding achievements and worldwide acclaim as a leading composer, lyricist, actor, writer and hirsute modern dance icon comedian.

In the historic Winthrop Hall, Tim took to the podium, in all his red finery, to address the 225 graduates assembled to receive their degrees. He delivered a speech, liberally sprinkled with sage advice and felicitous giggles.

Tim hails from Perth, of course, where he first composed for Christ Church Grammar School’s Midnite Youth Theatre Company. He then attended UWA, where he worked with the University Dramatic Society, graduating in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Theatre. He also worked with Perth’s WA Youth Theatre Company, of which he is now a patron. He graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts at Edith Cowan University, in 1998, with an Advanced Diploma of Contemporary Music.

Then a bit later, as you may know, he went on to rampage around the globe bashing the living daylights out of a piano, touring his comedy shows, releasing comedy albums and his acclaimed beat poem Storm. He’s appeared all over the radio and telly on three continents and (amongst other things) written the music and lyrics for the hit, record breaking, seven Olivier Award winning Matilda The Musical, which is currently running on Broadway and in London’s West End.

He’s just finished a highly successful run, playing the coin tossing Rosencrantz, in the Sydney Theatre Company production of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. He’ll fly home to the UK soon to rock out, once again, as the dreadlocked Judas Iscariot in the spectacular arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar, this October and to continue writing a new (top secret) stage musical. AND he’s about to start work on a musical feature film for DreamWorks Animation. In his spare time he hopes to consume dairy products and write some more delicious, satirical comedy songs to tour, possibly within the next two years.

Congratulations Dr Tim Minchin!

Nice landing there, just before the presentation…