Blowfish Theatre have made Leeds great again...again, with their political satire 'Trump: The Musical'. Following the success of Boris: The Musical, Blowfish Theatre are back, bigger and bawdier than ever with a triumphant display of politics-gone-mad in this hilarious and sharp satirical look at the behind-the-scenes of the people in power.
Walking into an unsuspecting theatre in the centre of Leeds, I never would have expected to see a lap dancing Vladimir Putin or Nigel Farage in a gimp mask, but this was no ordinary performance. Hilarious from the offset, 'Trump: The Musical' gave us a look into just how the world might end up if politics keeps moving forward the way it is now – backwards. With side-splitting original numbers such as ‘The New Good Old Days’ it’s impossible to take this production too seriously, especially when paired with an overly egotistical (yes, more so) Nigel Farage running England (into the ground, no less.) The audience is pulled along in the chaos whilst Farage tries to negotiate a trade deal for Scotland with his one remaining tank (they sold the rest to Saudi) President Trump fumbles his way through a visit to Trump Palace (formerly known as Buckingham) and we see the ups and downs of the sordid love affair between the President of the USA and his on-again-off-again lover....Vladimir Putin. All this while Kim Jong Un reveals his hidden nukes, Putin declares nuclear war when Trump ditches him for Farage, and Trump assumes responsibility for any and all nuclear strikes because he is ‘tremendous’ while they’ve all been being taken for a ride by a secret spy organisation. The musical numbers that ensue blend seamlessly into the production and are wonderfully written, creating moments that when paired with the comedy timing of the performers had the audience rolling around in the stalls. It really was the perfect blend of sharp-tongued political ridicule and downright debauchery.
Initially I was taken aback by the lack of set; a bare black box style stage simply adorned with a keyboard and a frame with curtains, this minimalistic staging was all that was needed – what the production lacked in decoration, it certainly made up for in imagination. The space was utilised perfectly and the performers certainly knew how to work the stage, and the crowd, with some rib-tickling audience participation led by the one and only ‘fun party’ Kim Jong Un. The team worked so wonderfully together and the strong sense of camaraderie was apparent, particularly with their seamless multi-role approach that only lent itself to make the characters even funnier – the talent within this team is undeniable. Each cast member had their mannerisms down to a Tee and we weren’t spared the melodrama when it came to exaggeration.
I’d say that you couldn’t make this stuff up, but Blowfish Theatre did, and they did it wonderfully. If you’re into politics and can only see one show this year, then it has to be this one – if you’re not into politics then still see it, because it’s an absolute riot of laughter..
Blowfish Theatre are back in April with Boris 2: Brexit Harder.
Reviewer - Hazel Kaye
on - 2/3/19
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