Although I saw it almost a decade ago, Uncle Jack Charles’ autobiographical performance in Jack Charles Vs The Crown remains one of those theatrical experiences indelibly etched into my brain.

He told his life story with such energy and heart, the good parts and the bad. He was a consummate performer, so incredibly at home on the stage. He possessed a sort of vitality and humanity which few actors are truly innately blessed with. He welcomed us in the audience as if we were his close friends, and as if he had made the performance just for us.

Of course, it wasn’t a performance just for us. He performed that show across Australia; in New Zealand, London, Japan and beyond. And in the end, he always came home to Melbourne.

His death at just 79 is a life cut too short. Julie Andrews has been kind enough to reflect on Uncle Jack’s life and work for us. She has written a beautiful tribute to the artist and activist whose willingness to tell his story has, no doubt, shaped hundreds of lives.

“To us, he was a well travelled Elder that brought so much teaching and knowledge to those who struggled or were forced to live in alternative ways,” Julie writes. “He never judged others – except to call out where there was injustice for those who did not have a voice.”

Vale, Uncle Jack. Rooms were brighter when you were in them. Our stages and screens will be a bit darker for losing you.

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