A blissful absence of Political Correctness.

Welcome to Chequers in 2010. There is a hung Parliament, a European conference and Brexit is not on the political agenda yet. Jim Hacker and Sir Humphrey Appleby find themselves in the midst of a crisis which threatens Jim’s career. Over the course of one evening Jim and his team of advisors try to salvage his career with hilarious results. Based on the hugely popular 80s TV series, this script was written specifically for the stage. Despite the passing of a quarter of a century, however, the writers have mercifully resisted any pressure to succumb to the modern disease of political correctness.

Aisling Edie makes her debut as a director in this most challenging of plays, skilfully guiding the cast from one disaster to another, whilst highlighting the strange relationship between the main protagonists, which is a mixture of mutual suspicion and affectionate respect.

The production included some signifcant technical challenges, notably a live TV broadcast of the final scene, which could be seen simultaneously by the audience on the stage and via a large screen. We are grateful to Mike Alan (of Mike Alan Video, Hastings) for the loan of the equipment that enabled us to do this, and to Jake Huggett for his expertise in operating it. As always, there are many people behind the scenes who contribute to a successful show, some of whom are mentioned by name in the review below, but we should express our special gratitude to Andy Godfrey for his wonderful caricatures that graced the pages of an outstanding programme.

Review by Anne Lawson of NODA 

A November night but very warm welcome inside the busy hall, offering box office, bar facilities, teas, membership, a display of the cast in caricature form and programme sales. A special mention of the great ticketing idea, a Security Pass by order of the PM himself with mention of the demise of the eclectic collection of cushions! 

The A5 programme had an impressive front cover outside ‘No 10’, with the four main characters, a message from the Director, a Cabinet Office Memo, with action and thanks the cast biogs and history – but sadly no mention of NODA as required for the annual competition. 

An excellent reproduction of the PM’s study at Chequers – original artwork from Carol Ardley was designed and built by Trevor Lewing and his team, with Jenny Turner responsible for set dressing and props. The wood panelling, book shelves, beautiful stained-glass panels, a single door, and double door into wallpapered corridor, with past PM photos hung was perfect. Good finishing touches. Angled was a solid desk with knee-hole, set with the red boxes and the red telephone, a black leather settee and armchair on loan from local furnishers Busbridges, a coffee table, slightly downstage a world globe placed on the small side and red upholstered chair completed the room. 

Tom Edie oversaw great noises off, well timed and realistic – telephone rings, introductory ‘London’ music, thunder, lightning etc. with John Veness on the lighting. The technical expertise with the use of video camera and the plasma screen was first class with David Burchell as the voice of Newsreader Robin Simpson most effective, as was the live broadcast from the PM’s study at Chequers, with drama student Amber Rampling ably portraying Simone Chester the BBC presenter. 

With a small majority, PM Jim Hacker lead the coalition cabinet. Things are getting out of control, he’s in crisis, Jim’s career is threatened, the pound’s sinking, collapse of a European Council Conference is likely, 24hour TV, blackberries, The Daily Mail, The BBC etc. all to contend with. A lifeline – a very complex pipeline deal with Kumranistan to seal a treaty for a multi-trillion pound loan. The Kumranistan Foreign Secretary comes to Cheques and after a fine dinner of goulash prepared by the ‘illegal’cook a request is made to Bernard Woolley (Jim’s Private Secretary), with moral implications. Oh, what to do? Sir Humphrey Appleby (Cabinet Secretary), with his astonishing, totally incomprehensible soliloquies, together with Claire Sutton (Special Policy Advisor) require decisions using devious manipulations via media and even an appeal with ‘Him’ upstairs. A fast, furious farce from Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn the play takes place at Chequers over a weekend in the Autumn. PCness goes completely out of the window! 

The PM is fraught, at times hiding under his desk, falling into his settee, and seeking comfort from alcohol. The deal falls into disarray when the KFS asks for not one but three ladies of the night!! The two Civil Servants are trying to conceal the Treaty in the bottom of the red boxes, but Jim and Claire have discovered this and threaten a new CS restriction on salaries. 

The BBC DG visits and Jim puts pressure on his to withdraw services therefore cutting budget. Claire wrongly asks the Cook’s daughter for favours, offering cash with their eventual arrest. They agree ‘no sex’ and the pipeline dream has gone. A Global Warming inspired agreement is the triumphant call – Jim holding a live BBC broadcast from his study. 

This complex, fast-moving piece was competently directed by Aisling Edie on her debut with the Fairlight Players. Keith Miller had the responsibility of high office - both clever and forceful at times – his fast timing both in speech and ‘Basil Fawlty’ style falls was totally credible Sir Humphrey played by Steve Hill – immaculately dressed, using totally incomprehensible language to confuse others, tactical and dead panned was beautifully executed - another very wordy part. Bernard Woolley played by Tom Miller – well cast with good presence, as a moral man, straight faced, who tried to please all and pedantic particularly with Latin quotes. Clare Murray confidently portrayed Claire Sutton, the Special Policy Advisor – not always giving the right advise! Longstanding and much experienced member Roland Garrad played the ‘posh’ somewhat aloof Kumranistan Ambassador perfectly, attired in his gold dressing gown and carpet slippers, whilst returner Dick Kempson trod the boards once again in a good cameo role as the BBC DG, using wonderful pained expressions showing his exasperation. 

With splendid support from all the unseen heroes, a most enjoyable, amusing evening’s entertainment. 

Anne Lawson, Regional Representative NODA SE District 3