It’s coming up to Christmas at the House of Commons ….but it’s cut-throat business as usual in the backrooms as the Government of the day has an important Bill to get through and a PM stuck abroad. There’s every chance the final vote will not be in their favour unless some colourful Whip action can corral any stragglers or dissenters into full cooperation. This is a world of bullying and posturing splendidly captured in this black-hearted romp of a play.
Some of the characters are clearly ambitious to a shameful degree e g the versatile Nathan Farrell playing Tim the Junior Whip, bent on a shooting star political career; veteran Whip Alastair as portrayed by the ever-credible Steve Rowland tempers reason with menace to fit the victim, all well demonstrated by his treatment of the newbie MP Guy Pitcher played by Gopal Handa with a nice mix of principle and practicality. He is out of his depth and has edge-of-panic moments throughout the piece - will pragmatism be victor in his anguish ?
Some first-night shakiness and pauses did not spoil the fun, The lines had this viewer laughing out loud more often than most comedies, a pat on the back for director Elaine Burns. And who can deliver an acidic statement better than Alan Wiseman as Commons warrior Fulton, crusty and loquacious, Wiseman makes every barb count especially in his verbal battering of Tim, who has a lot to learn. Their pairing watching the debate on a monitor was a highlight
When the beguiling Maggie – ‘a researcher’ – appears she cuts a mysterious figure in just-right specs and attire, calm and composed. Sarah Wilson on good form in a fine role. What does she know that we don’t? The second female role benefits from impassioned delivery, perfect garb and hairstyle, vocal delivery and everything else – a tour de force by Moyra Brookes as Opposition Whip Delia. She is not to be out-done or out-manoeuvred by anyone and especially by her age-old enemies the Government Whips
Truly a great collection of characters on fire here, a neat set that says authentic and enough pace and intrigue to keep you wondering. The Nomads always have someone just right for the part and this funny piece entertains and moreover, it rings true
Victor
