Dom – The Play

This is a strange one.

Slickly executed and intelligently observed

Rather like its lead character, it is tricky to pin down what its purpose is, and what we think of it. Perhaps this is intentional: after all, so much else about Cummings’ impudent boot imprint on the face of the country remains almost impossible to understand.

It is hard to form a positive association with someone who took such a monumental and deliberate dump on an entire country and shrugged it off in blogs and tweets so bizarrely constructed that they make the inane witterings of Donald Trump read like Mark Twain. That Cummings was one of the chief architects of so many of our current ills is not a matter of opinion; but neither is the fact that he exploited weaknesses in the camps of others with a depth of insight matched only by his breathtaking audacity. Whatever else he may or may not be guilty of, there is no denying that he fully understood the brief.

But a genius? Well, the play certainly gets that bit right. Everything is relative. And if the electorate was sufficiently gullible to believe that Johnson was the hero they needed; then they fully deserved the villain who came as part of the 2-for-1 deal.

Chris Porter is an excellent central character, beguiling the audience simply by not trying to. The familiar stoop, shrug, and beanie are all there; but those anticipating a full-on annihilation of the man are set to be disappointed. The script is rather kinder to Cummings than the amusingly drawn bit-part players (Islington Remainers, Angela Merkel, a very funny Michael Gove) and the puce-faced Honey Monster (Tim Hudson) who ended up in Number 10. From an opening which embraces us as 'misfits and weirdoes', we are methodically taken through the chronology of Cummings' inglorious tenure in Downing Street: his brainwaves, his frustrations, the well-documented struggles with his ocular health.

This is a slickly executed and intelligently observed piece, although the script perhaps lacks a little in dramatic structure and premise. Whilst it stops short of sanitising Cummings’ nefarious doings, in seeking to present him as just an ordinary bloke, there is a missed opportunity to crank up the emotional stakes. Then again, when your protagonist has already raised the national blood pressure to hypertensive crisis, maybe there is nowhere else left to go.

Visit Show Website

Reviews by Rebecca Vines

theSpace @ Surgeons Hall

The Portable Dorothy Parker

★★★★
theSpace @ Surgeons Hall

Sherlock Holmes The Last Act

★★★★
Summerhall

Summer Camp for Broken People

★★★
Summerhall

Anything That We Wanted To Be

★★★★
Summerhall

Rewind

★★★★★
Pleasance Courtyard

Matt Forde: Inside No. 10

★★★★★

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now

Performances

Location

The Blurb

Dom the Play previously enjoyed a sell-out run at the The White Bear Theatre, before transferring to The Other Palace where the critically acclaimed run was extended due to popular demand. Now this hit political comedy is making its way to Edinburgh! The show explores the chief controversies of Dominic Cumming's explosive career, how he won the Brexit referendum by manipulating social media, the truth about Barnard Castle and why he finally fell out with Boris! A must-see comedy for anyone who follows the Westminster circus! **** (Times). **** (Stage).

Most Popular See More

Tina - The Tina Turner Musical

From £12.00

More Info

Find Tickets

The Mousetrap

From £30.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Mamma Mia!

From £21.00

More Info

Find Tickets

SIX

From £21.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Grease the Musical

From £21.00

More Info

Find Tickets

The Book of Mormon

From £24.00

More Info

Find Tickets