2nd May 1997

Synopsis

2nd May 1997. The world changes overnight. A great man sweeps to power as a mighty dynasty crumbles. Amidst the euphoria and despair, three deeply personal stories emerge. A smouldering play from one of Britain's most exciting young writers, about seizing the present, escaping the past and the audacity of hope for the future. Contains strong language and scenes of an adult nature. Suitable for 16+ years.

Our Review:

Theo Bosanquet - 16 September 2009

Jack Thorne's triptych of duologues is set over the course of that infamous night in 1997 when Tony Blair et al swept to a landslide election victory on the wave of Cool Britannia promising that things could only get better. It's a quiet mediation on the experiences of three very different pairings, each affected by the result to varying degrees.

The one with most to lose is ageing Tory MP Robert (Geoffrey Beevers), who knows his fate is sealed and, together with his stoical wife (Linda Broughton), must contemplate a sickly retirement.

Next up is shy Lib Dem supporter Ian (Hugh Skinner), who's been frog-marched home from an election party for a night of passion by inebriated Sarah (Phoebe Waller-Bridge), but turns out to be the "wrong man at the wrong time". Her botched seduction soon descends into a confessional about a previous abuse and failed marriage, though the true nature of her experience remains frustratingly shrouded in whispers.

Finally, ...

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Latest User Review

rds - 18 October 2009:

A gripping and terrifically acted piece of imaginatively staged theatre. Yet another example of how wonderful this production house is. Why some people seem to want a beginning, a middle, and an end (and in that order) amazes me. This is theatre so suspend disbelief, sit back and enjoy the ride. Sometimes it's bumpy and sometimes it's smooth, but whatever it is it's a journey so make what you will of it, don't let us make demands on the writer, that's their job, let them make the demands on us! A huge Well Done to the Bush for yet another example of their talent to pick a winner. ...

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