Theatre Watch: The New Statesman

I went to the theatre last week to see Rik Mayall do his worst in The New Statesman. It couldn't have been more politically pertinent in light of Blair's imminent departure. Here were my thoughts:

Rik Mayall is back and doing what he does best: being very pervy and very funny. Alan B’stard has moved over to New Labour because under Blair, it’s more conservative than the Tory party. In his bid to try and join the exclusive ‘Trillionaires Club’ who are ruling the world, he seduces Condoleezza Rice, kidnaps Tony Blair and orders the assassination of Arabella Lucretia B’stard – one of his five wives.

Mayall settles comfortably back into the role of B’stard – the nation’s favourite right-wing politician. His pelvic thrusts, flared nostrils and endless two finger signs made the audience weep with laughter. The jokes were politically current and apt – the only thing was – it didn’t quite work as a play.

The other characters were either badly developed or badly acted - or possibly even both. It was too close to call. The New Statesmen is definitely a one man show and seemed more like a stand-up performance with some cringe-worthy ancillaries cluttering the stage, as opposed to a well-rounded play with a cast of distinguished comedic players.

Jon Culshaw’s voiceover of Blair adds comedy value but nothing made the tears roll more than the man himself: Alan B’stard – nearly the most amoral politician of his generation.