Barry Crocker's Banjo: The Life and Times of Andrew Barton Paterson

Originally conceived as a one-man stage play that toured around Australia in all major capital cities and regional centres for more than 2 years. In the stage version I performed all of the characters, recited all the poetry and sang all of the songs. With the help of lighting and screens, I transitioned between the various characters with ease. 'However, I soon realized that producing an audio version of the play would require some help. So, I reached out to a couple of old mates—Jack Thompson, Michael Caton, and others—who kindly stepped in to contribute to the project. I am deeply grateful to each of them for their support.'

During the two years of researching the life of Banjo Paterson, I unearthed a man vastly different from the one I had previously read about. Rather than focusing on the celebrated poet and war hero, I sought the intimate details—the romances, the heartbreaks, and the personal experiences that shaped his life and inspired his writing. The play also reveals the real story behind his creation of the iconic lyrics to 'Waltzing Matilda.' Beginning at Sydney Grammar School, it journeys through Paterson’s remarkable life—as a boy, a farmer, a solicitor, and a soldier.

I hope you enjoy the journey as we travel into the fascinating world of Andrew Barton Paterson CBE.