As expected, Jonathan Maitland emphasised the “mock” in democracy in this political satire. As politics is constantly changing, it is interesting to watch this play about the current Prime Minister through the application of present social, cultural and political context to the action on stage. There probably will be something new to discover in this at each performance; another joke or fresh sense of perspective on a subject. If you’re not sick of Brexit by now and you want to have a laugh at the whole thing, “The Last Temptation Of Boris Johnson” may be of interest to you.
Direct from a sell-out run in London’s West End, act 1 told the story of the events which happened between 2016 and 2019 and act 2 was an imagined and dystopian future from 2029. Not forgetting the included 20 minute comfort break delay after a letter requesting an extension was sent to Brussels for the European Union’s approval.
The beginning of the play centred on the dinner that changed everything: the night in February 2016 when Boris Johnson decided to vote “Leave”. All the familiar guests were there including MP Michael Gove and the journalist Sarah Vine. However, in true “A Christmas Carol” fashion Bojo was haunted by the spirits of Prime Ministers past, Margaret Thatcher (who has the funniest entrance ever by the way) and Winston Churchill – displaying past and controversial attitudes. Oh… and Tony Blair tried to fit in as the only Labour amongst Conservatives. They influence Boris’ decision making and thinking. What can we learn from the past? How do we interpret historic events? What does Boris really believe in? It’s a free for all, where everyone and everything is mocked, ridiculed and scrutinized. Though, it very much suggested Brexit is a bad idea but only time will tell, I guess. When we skip to post-Brexit Britain, an unexpected twist had the audience laughing out loud. For reasons which may or may not be true in the future, Boris was no longer Prime Minster but this twist was an opportunity that could see him back in the hot seat. Effectively, the script is updated regularly to reflect current affairs. It was based on real events but used fictional dialogue and was flexible with its dramatic license.
As soon as Boris untucked his shirt and ruffled his blonde hair to get ready for an interview with Huw Edwards, it set the tone for the rest of the evening. The cast were convincing as their real-life counterparts. They weren’t trying to do impressions or a carbon-copy performance. The actors made the characters somewhat their own, turning them into something more three-dimensional. The characterisation was based on the public image of these high-profile Politicians. I have to say, I think the mannerisms, physicality and vocal work were spot on. As alluded to before it wasn’t over-done. Will Barton, Bill Champion, Emma Davies, Claire Lichie, and Tim Wallers portrayed various characters in the story.
What goes on behind closed doors? Maitland explored the unprofessional comments, the big egos and personalities, and the backstabbing. Why do MPs really go into Politics? The focus may be on Boris Johnston, but the play was about the bigger picture. It highlighted our lack of trust in politics and politicians, where it paints the picture they believe in nothing except themselves. Politicians are willing to change their mind and commit to something if it makes them look good or benefits them. The theme of religion which appears in the visual elements and written language of the play brought to our attention the topics of morality, integrity and honesty. Do these buzzwords belong in politics anymore? The religious references signified our lack of faith in these politically turbulent times.
It was not all doom and gloom though, there was plenty to laugh about. There was a call-back to when Boris Johnson flew down on the zipwire as the Mayor of London. The Conservative leadership contest was pitched like a fight from WWE. In Post-Brexit Britain: Media City UK was moved down to London, there was an Article 49, and BBC 1 became the BBC Amazon channel. I wonder how much of act 2 will be true in the future. Boris Johnson’s public persona is very much that clown-like and pantomime figure, I think it was only a matter of time before a playwright would write a text with him in it. Televised politics featuring the raucous debates in the House of Commons and the dramatic twists and turns of Brexit are like something out of soap opera. It’s ideal theatrical material which makes for an oven-ready play. “The Last Temptation Of Boris Johnson” was funny, bleak and enjoyable.
Reviewer - Sam Lowe
on - 2/3/20
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