Gordon Street Tonight: Apr 20

This week on Adam Hills in Gordon St Tonight guests include comedian Merrick Watts, human rights activist Samah Hadid, Irish comedian and actor Ardal O’Hanlon (Father Ted), plus a special chat with The Rats of Tobruk.

Music includes new-age country duo The Secret Sisters performing a Gordon St Classic, while Gurrumul and Blue King Brown close the show.

Radio host Merrick Watts is best known as one half of Australia’s famous comedy duo Merrick & Rosso. After a successful radio and television career together, Merrick has branched out solo in recent years to demonstrate his acting skills in such shows as Underbelly, The Hollowmen and Thank God You’re Here.

Samah Hadid is a human rights advocate, author, and was Australia’s United Nations Youth Representative for 2010. Her work involves profiling the voices of indigenous and minority youth, and promoting the valuable role young people make to Australia. Her achievements were recognised as NSW finalist for the 2011 Young Australian of the Year award.

Ardal O’Hanlon is an Irish comedian and actor, best known for his roles in television sitcoms as Father Dougal McGuire in cult series Father Ted, and George Sunday in My Hero. He is a multi award-winning comedian, and one of the most acclaimed stand-up comedians to emerge from the comedy scene in recent years.

In 1941, a small force of Australian soldiers was called upon to help defend a port town called Tobruk on the coast of Libya. When German forces surrounded Tobruk, subjecting it to ground assaults, shelling and air raids, Australian soldiers took shelter underground. The Nazis labelled the Diggers as ‘rats’, but the Australian soldiers embraced the term as badge of honour. To mark ANZAC day, Adam chats with a group of the Rats of Tobruk.

Blind from birth, Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu is a powerhouse of musical creativity. A former member of Yothu Yindi, now with Saltwater Band, Gurrumul’s solo excursions highlight his amazing talent as a singer, songwriter and musician.

Blue King Brown is one of Australia’s premier urban roots bands, with hard hitting lyrics and groove. Lead by the multi-talented Natalie Pa’apa’a, the group has been rocking crowds from Tokyo to Texas and everywhere in between.

The Secret Sisters are a new-age traditional Country music duo, consisting of vocalists Laura and Lydia Rogers. Their 1950’s-inspired musical style has been described as “a guileless, rapturous mixture of rootsified pop”.

It airs Wednesday April 20 at 8.30pm on ABC1.