WOS TV: Politics Play Key Part at Donkeys Opening

Though it’s 30 years old, Michael Frayn’s Donkeys' Years - in which a cabinet minister is caught with his trousers down - seemed incredibly topical last night (9 May 2006, previews from 27 April) when Jeremy Sams’ 30th anniversary revival opened at the West End’s Comedy Theatre. While John Prescott gave the opening a miss, former Tory MP Neil Hamilton and his wife Christine – who have faced no shortage of their own scandals – and others in attendance were quick to draw parallels with current Government affairs.

Whatsonstage.com TV was on hand at the theatre to talk to the Hamiltons and other theatregoers, before heading to the post-show party at Teatro, Shaftesbury Avenue to catch up with members of the cast.

TO VIEW DONKEYS’ YEARS OPENING NIGHT TV FOOTAGE, JUST CLICK
ON THE "PLAY" ARROW > BUTTON TO THE LEFT OF THE TV SCREEN BELOW.

Donkeys' Years takes place 25 years after graduation when six former students return to their university college for a reunion dinner. While their lives may have had varying degrees of success, all are connected by a common past. Locked in college for the night, the graduates begin to relive their youth, with all its chaotic friendships and feuds.

During the weekend’s antics, a cabinet minister (David Haig) attempts to cover up a possible career-ending scandal, a priest (Michael Fitzgerald) becomes a nun and the master’s wife (Samantha Bond) may – or may not – have been murdered. The Donkeys' Years company also comprises Mark Addy, James Dreyfus, Edward Petherbridge, Michael Simkins, Jonathan Coy and Chris Moran.

- by Terri Paddock

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