While politics leaves us increasingly hysterical these days, when it comes to theatrical comedy inspiration, a former Labour PM is not the most obvious material.
Yet, as it turns out, Tony Blair The Rock Opera, is one of the laugh-out-loud funniest productions I have seen (and I’ve seen a LOT!)
This reckless reappraisal of the life of the humorously dubbed ‘pop Prime Minister’ takes us on a whirlwind journey from peace-loving, shaggy-haired former Ugly Rumours front man to warmongering multi-millionnaire in just a couple of decades.
Throw in a stellar caricature cast of larger-than-life characters – Cherie Blair, Princess Diana, John Prescott, Peter Mandelson, Alastair Campbell, Osama bin Laden, George W Bush, Saddam Hussein and Gordon Brown – it’s Yes, Minister meets The Rocky Horror Show! and a musical like no other.
Birmingham’s Repertory Theatre is the second stop on the UK tour for this hilarious new show following a sell-out run in London.
Penned by comedian Harry Hill, it is a hilarious tragedy of political intrigue, religion, power and romance that plays fast and loose with the facts. But that’s OK. This is a comedy rick opera after all, not Question Time.
But the ludicrous humour relies on the delivery to really hit the mark. Praise be then for Jack Whittle whose Blair was pristinely polished, capturing his voice and mannerisms unnervingly well.
Strong performances all round from all the cast but Howard Samuels’ camp comedy prowess keeps the laughs coming in his many guises including Peter Mandelson.
The show has attracted some criticism for chaotically covering too much territory in Blair’s life and political career but this show should not be approached as a history lesson, rather a comedic romp through the hero to villain legacy of the country’s second youngest Prime Minister.
If you don’t take it too seriously, you’ll love it as much as I did.
Don’t hang around though. Tony Blair The Rock Opera is on a short run in the Midlands and only plays at The Repertory Theatre until Saturday. Tickets can be booked here
