Newcastle University Theatre Society presents a new piece of writing by Edward Clifton. The play opens with a Newsnight style interview of a backbench rebel, Andrew Woodman (Andrew McKeane), who intends to cause the government trouble with controversial new legislation designed to tackle extremism. We then see Holly, Beth and Ben; three young political advisers to a Home Office Minister desperately trying to handle the situation, to get the votes lined up and limit the damage to the government.
The situation is complicated by the appearance of Nick Phippin (Samuel Jefferson), the Prime Ministers press secretary, with the news that Woodman intends to use some old photos to strengthen his position. What follows will be familiar to viewers of shows like the Thick of It. Lines are spun, stories started and changed, and phone calls made in an effort to see off the crisis.
I went to see the show with a friend who, like me, knows a bit about the setting of this story: we met 5 years ago while working in a Ministerial office. We both felt that the setting, the way of working and the complaints of the young advisers were recognisable and authentic. The dialogue was sharp, particularly in the scenes with Phippin. However, there was something missing perhaps there could have just been more of the dialogue, particularly as the crisis builds. After the interview and a scene showing the busy office, the next few minutes dragged, containing some unnecessary pauses, which felt particularly strange after the strong interview start.
This is a satisfying piece, very well observed, and with stand out performances from McKeane and Jefferson. With a bit more work it could be even better.
