Festival Theatre, Malvern – until 29th June 2024
Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau
5*****
A political comedy on tour in late June 2024… the timing is almost too perfect – it’s as if someone had insider knowledge about the timing of this current General Election. And if you enjoyed that Have I Got News For You inspired ribbing you will love this play.
As pointed out in the programme, writer Michael McManus used to be a Tory aide. It shows. The “One Nation” fictional party of this comedy is obviously inspired by the “one-nation conservatism” concept of recent years.
Matthew Cottle plays newly minted PM John Waggner, catching the buffoonery, tendency to get distracted by earthly pleasures when serious matters need attending to and lack of political savvy (clearly inspired by Boris Johnson) to a tee. His subtle but hilarious use of cake at one point was worth the price of admission on its own and perfectly displayed his exceptional comedy pedigree. A delicious performance!
Anne, wife to the PM, was obviously a Carrie Johnson take off and Natalie Dunne was pitch perfect in the role. Very much the grounding force that her husband needed, she also had some witty and insightful lines to relish. Seth (Ryan Early) was clearly modeled on puppet master extraodinaire Dominic Cummings and his interplay with the ladies orbiting the PM was insightfully handled and suitably Machiavellian. Debra Stephenson as Deputy PM Lisa gave us a commanding presence to round out this splendid triumvirate.
The rest of the cast were also exceptional; Krissi Bohn (as Civil Servant Candice), William Oxborrow (as Chief Whip and other roles (leader of the SNP was a highlight) and Luke (Jason Callender), all giving our playwright the opportunity to show the ruthlessness of politics where friends are dispensed with once necessity trumps loyalty and also the grinding inevitability of Westminster’s machinations. Just like Yes, (Prime) Minister all those years ago, this play is viciously cutting in it’s authenticity. Quite an achievement and one that is as entertaining whether you have an interest in politics or not. Bringing the satire up to date, AI, social media and technology are spotlit and – very possibly just like the real thing – have a pivotal role to play in proceedings.
The set was a rather inventive concoction from designer Francis O’Connor; a large Union Flag stylized backdrop that highlights events coming apart at the seams in a most subtle, witty and telling manner.
Real life figures like Diane Abbot make surprising cameos, which gives the work a kind of parallel universe feel. But, then, when we consider the political landscape of the past 14 years perhaps it’s not so fanciful after all. And did the play successfully lampoon the tomfoolery and missteps of the current election cycle? You bet!
Although this is a hard hitting satire that is thought provoking, it is done in such a light and frothy way that it’s a sheer delight to watch. The genuinely laugh out loud script fizzes along at a fair old rate leaving one wanting more – for many the polar opposite of the current election campaigns. If you’ve had enough of politics and politicians at the moment this will be just the tonic you need to help you survive until the 5th July. Hilarious stuff and unreservedly recommended.