Yes, Prime Minister

In an election period this production whether by accident or design was extremely well timed and reminded us of why the Television Series of Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minister attracted so much of a following and plaudits during its time on screen.

After photographs of post war UK Prime Ministers rolled across a large screen on stage and the highly recognisable music, the audience were quickly reminded of just how clever and unique the brilliant script written by Anthony Jay and Jonathan Lynn is. Earning a reputation by some for being a little too close to political truth.

Governing with a threadbare majority there is a crisis weekend at Chequers. In the age of 24-hour news, with a divided cabinet, a sinking pound and the potential collapse of a European Council conference, rescue seems to come when an oil-rich central Asian state offers a $10tn loan to build a pipeline that will zigzag through the whole of Europe. The deal, however, is thrown into disarray when the country's foreign secretary asks the government to supply him with personal entertainment. References here to the potential spectacle of deploying a helicopter from the Queens Flight to transport girls from Soho to the lawn at Chequers.

“Prime Minister Jim Hacker” played by Paul Bellamy demonstrated very well the lack of expertise at the top, reliant upon the civil service to provide all the data and information and for that matter decision making. Chris Hall in the role of “Sir Humphrey Appleby” coped well with the legendary lengthy dialogue synonymous with the character, going round in circles with great mastery of the English language answering a seemingly simple question, ably supported by Alan Wollaston playing “ Bernard Woolley” often picking up on the inconsistency of certain answers.

Melanie Brown Special Advisor “Claire Sutton” referred to by Sir Humphrey as “Dear Lady” offered pragmatic solutions designed to keep the PM informed, calling on useful contacts at the American Embassy. In the role of “Kumranistan Ambassador” Tony Boardman portrayed the character with a well-delivered accent relaxing in a dressing gown of vivid colouring. Sir Humphrey’s relaxed attire being only to tuck his pocket handkerchief out of view!!

Act 2 features further phases of political satire and lunacy still with much believability  It is the script that is the strength and its command of detail: “Jeremy Burnham” Director General of the BBC played by Andy Brown has the ever present “Bernard” interjecting in replies with formulaic clichés, every one of which we recognise. Also included is a TV interview with “Hacker” conducted by “Simon Chester” played by Steve Carley.

Bringing a well-known television series and characters with which we are all familiar to the stage is sometimes a tough call.  A few pieces of dialogue could have benefited from those on stage having a quicker pace, though all played their characters with much effectiveness managing some of the more challenging passages very well indeed. Thanks again for an entertaining evening of great British comedy.

Ian G Cox

Regional Representative - Worcestershire East (District 12)

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