Rare Books Melbourne are pleased to announce the 2026 Gary Morgan Oration, which will be held starting at 6.30pm on Thursday 5th March. This year’s speaker will be the distinguished writer Simon Plant, who will deliver the oration at the Melbourne Athenaeum Library. His topic is:
George Coppin and Barry Humphries: How two great showmen made Melbourne Marvellous.
Simon Plant is a Melbourne writer and researcher, with a special interest in Australian performing arts history. He holds a Masters Degree in Australian History (University of Melbourne) and ‘Entertaining Mr Coppin: An Antipodean Showman in Civil War America’ (Theatre Heritage Australia, 2025) is his first book.
Simon’s journalism career spanned 30 years, during which he covered every facet of arts and entertainment. He has also co curated three exhibitions including ‘Making a Song and Dance: The History of the Australian Musical’ (2005-06) at Arts Centre Melbourne. His next research project focuses on early Australian television and how it acquired an American accent. Simon has written two plays, acted with the Goodfa Business Theatre Company (with speechmaker Campbell McComas) and is a long standing member of the Melbourne Savage Club.
Details
Thursday 5th March
Melbourne Athenaeum Library, Level 1, 188 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000.
Doors open at 6pm, oration from 6.30pm
Entry is free, but as numbers will be limited booking is essential. The booking link is here.