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Review: Whipping It Up (tour)

November 21, 2007


Venue: The Lowry
Date Reviewed: 21st November 2007

star

Richard Wilson is a huge box office draw for theatre-goers. Combine this with political satire and you rightfully expect a theatrical winner. But, think again as Whipping It Up is unlikely to leave even his most ardent fans, laughing like drains.

From the opening scene, this ‘comedy’ fails to deliver on so many counts. Billed as “scandalously funny” - you may need reminding when to guffaw, as the opening section lacks the pace required to leave you feeling amused.

Wilson plays Chief Whip Fulton; cue laughter as he sits dressed in a Santa suit. Throw into the mix a dodgy female journalist, a naive new boy and a devious deputy whip and you should have the recipe for lots of belly-laughs.

But Steve Thompson’s satire is not sharp enough, in fact it has a blunt edge and nothing seems the slightest bit believable. Wilson tries his best to milk each scene for all its worth but the play’s snails pace does not help him.

Ultimately, you cannot escape from the fact that the whole thing feels very televisual. Pity then, that a canned laughter track was not available, as this is one play that could have benefited from one!

The main jokes seem to centre around the fact that whilst the PM is away (in Washington), the back benchers will play. Fulton, therefore has his work cut out keeping the rebels in order. There is the odd clever observation, such as the Media’s desire for perfection within politics, but this is hardly revelatory or hilarious stuff.

Tim Shortall’s vast set is the best thing in this silly sit com but if you want to see a comedic insight into the world of Westminster, you are better off buying a Yes, Prime Minister DVD box set.

-Glenn Meads

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