Yes, Prime Minister

Thank you very much for the invitation to come and see your production at the Watermark in Ivybridge. For those of us who remember the television programme this play did not disappoint. As you walked into the theatre you were taken into Chequers with an impressive and imaginative set, designed by Niall Clinton. From the beginning to the end the audience were laughing and it was exactly how we remembered the programme.

The story follows the Prime Minister who is charged with finalising an agreement with Kumranistan, a newly rich in oil country, for a huge loan. Unfortunately, the visiting minister from that country makes an immoral and illegal request which would upset voters if the Prime Minister was to allow it. We then were privileged to watch the comic antics trying to sort the problem out.

The Prime Minister, Jim Hacker (an excellent portrayal by this actor) was very funny trying to negotiate through the problems of finalising the oil agreement without upsetting the voters. A standout character was Sir Humphrey who was absolutely on point with his diction and long speeches which he did with great aplomb. Both the characters of Bernard, the Principal Private Secretary and Clare Sutton, the Special Policy Advisor, were well cast and played their parts very well. The Kumranistan Ambassador had a lovely comic touch, my only question is costuming, maybe long lounge trousers would have been more fitting to match with the elegant dressing gown and turban rather than shorts. Jeremy Burnham, the Head of the BBC, a cameo role but was well played and a performance worthy of note.

Sound and Lighting was great throughout and helped in supporting the story telling throughout. Costumes and props were very authentic and helped establish the status of individual characters.

Congratulations to Director Suzanne Hooper who kept it true to its heritage. I struggled to find any fault with this production and thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. I felt as if I was in an actual Television Studio watching a live filming. A very professional production indeed.

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