We don’t get enough political plays these days, particularly given we’re in our third year of Divided Britain, so this one is very welcome. There are similarities with David Hare’s recent I’m Not Running, but it’s more focused, sharper and funnier – and in a theatre with a fraction of the seats for a fraction of the price!
Joe Newman is a long serving Teeside Labour MP who is deselected by Momentum, but stands and wins decisively as an independent. Even he is surprised by the support he gets from fellow MP’s and the public and this momentum results in the creation of a new party, defections from other parties and an unstoppable electoral march through bi-elections towards the general election. Along the way, surprising policies emerge to feed the populist hunger.
At first I thought it was implausible, then I remembered how Macron emerged in France, albeit from a different direction, and of course Trump, who used an existing party; these disaffected times can bring such surprises. Listening to the news as I write this further buries my thoughts of implausibility. Playwright Michael McManus’ strength is his deep knowledge of British politics, which gives the play a great authenticity, but it also risks being a weakness, as it sometimes feels like you’re inside the Westminster village (with some of its inhabitants making the short journey to be audience members in Kennington!), with the introspection that brings. That said, it’s a gripping tale with sparkling dialogue which I found both entertaining and thought provoking.
Even for the fringe, the production values make it a bit rough at the edges, though there’s an impressive selection of video and audio contributions from real people like Kenneth Clarke, James Naughtie, a whole load of journalists and Sue Pollard! Six excellent performances make up for it, led by Timothy Hacker as Newman. Above all, though, it’s the writing that shines.
Surely destined for life beyond Kennington?
Gareth's Culture and Travel Blog 
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