With Coronavirus pandemonium sweeping the nation and our leaders brought under the spotlight, a break from politics is desperately needed. Unfortunately, (if you do want one) The National Theatre are not allowing you to forget our love for satire with this play by James Graham (a writer of the recent ITV drama Quiz). Will this be a disappointment or entertainment?
It’s 1974. Following the recent election, Labour – made up of common folk – has won but with not a massive majority (301 compared to the arrogant Conservatives 297 which lead to a hung parliament).
A kerfuffle arises where Labour want to increase their majority, whilst the conservatives try to claw an increase in their majority by sweet talking to the other parties and other countries in the UK. Members drop like flies and tensions between allies will rise.
One of the most interesting elements of this show is the set design by Rae Smith (who also designed War Horse). The design is similar to the House of Commons, which includes audience members sitting opposite sides similar to how the politicians sit, like a battlefield. This stretches to the areas where the action takes place (the meetings between party members).
Big Ben is projection mapped to the background and is referred in the plot – for example, when it stops chiming which angers the politicians. Humour is sprinkled throughout the play, which made for funny viewing such as the discussion of football teams to discussions of “the war”.
Another interesting element was the music performed by Acoustic Jim and The Wire, which covered a variety of genres from Rock (including a cover of “Rock and Roll Suicide” by David Bowie) and punk, to more traditional songs such as “I Vow to Thee My Country” and chants, reminiscent to what you hear at a football game.
There is also a cinematic feel to Jeremy Herrin’s direction to it, for example some of the transitions are extremely busy from all the actors on stage hustling and bustling around and the camera moving around them. Some of the topics the politicians discuss include matters which we’re still discussing today (Scottish and Welsh devolution, possibly leaving the EU) which shows how maybe some things in politics haven’t changed.
Unfortunately, I don’t feel there is a standout character in the show. One of the best was Ann (the Labour MP for Woolwich West) who is obviously the token woman of the Party. Some of the other Labour members such as Walter and Bill stand out as the leaders and attempted leaders of the common people, compared to the Conservatives who are obviously from richer backgrounds – one of whom is a Colonel.
A more fun character is the Scottish MP in parliament. Most of the MPs throughout the piece, however, are only ever referred to by their constituents (Which gets difficult to follow as the story progresses.
In conclusion, this is a play that made feel a bit split down the middle. There is entertainment to be found with the classic two-party political system and there is some excellent humour. However, this may not appeal to everyone – as politics can be a touchy subject – and as mentioned above, there isn’t necessarily a standout performance. However, this is a show I would recommend checking out and forming your own opinion on it…
By Stuart McComb
Feature image: Medium