Drop the Dead Donkey The Reawakening at Leicester Curve Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Louise Edwards

Drop the Dead Donkey” is a satirical comedy that originally aired on television in the 1990s. It has been adapted for the stage and is currently on a nationwide tour, this week at Leicester’s Curve Theatre.

I was a huge fan of Drop the Dead Donkey, praised for its portrayal of the chaotic world of journalism and media. when it was on our TV screens 30 years ago. The thirty minute weekly episodes never seemed long enough for me so I was delighted to hear about the stage production, with the original cast! What has happened to them in the intervening years!?

Written by the very talented Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin (who my eagle eyed husband spotted walking around in the theatre foyer) Drop the Dead Donkey ran for six series on TV and won a BAFTA, two international Emmys, RTS, Writers Guild and multiple British Comedy awards.

The stage is set as a newsroom with a large screen above, iPad on the desks and there is also a mini prop of gender-neutral toilets for the cast to have more intimate chats in. Times have certainly changed in the last 30 years regarding technology, inclusivity, social media and fake news. It is refreshing to see this irreverent observation brought back to life!

First onto the stage is Jeff Rawle, playing George the amiable but highly strung Editor who can’t get on with the technologically challenging coffee machine. Next in is Helen, played by Ingrid Lacey who was Assistant Editor and then Neil Pearson, playing Dave, Deputy sub editor. They haven’t seen each other since the demise of Globelink News and each received an offer they couldn’t refuse to join Truth News, from seemingly different people. As they say themselves – very Agatha Christie!

Next to arrive is Gus played by Robert Duncan. We discover he is the mysterious recruiter who lured them there using accent-changing software as he knew they would never come back for him. He is the CEO and wants to launch Truth News with the money offered by an undisclosed donor.

Of course the lineup wouldn’t be complete without Joy, played by Susannah Doyle, Sally Smedley played by Victoria Wicks, and Damien (now in a wheelchair) played by Stephen Tompkinson. They are joined by new members of staff Rita, played by Kerena Jagpal (there to tick the youth and racially diverse box) and Mairead (played by Julia Hills).

Each character has gone through some changes in their lives and some have aged better than others but the show, known for its sharp wit and biting humour, hasn’t lost its edge. The stage adaptation translates the humour and energy of the original show to the stage, as well as the performances of the cast. Fans will appreciate clever writing, strong comedic timing, and engaging performances with lots of topical news features of today.

Rating: 5/5.

Drop the Dead Donkey The Reawakening is on at Leicester Curve until Saturday 23 March 2024

Ticket prices vary from £25.

To book online
https://www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/shows/drop-the-dead-donkey-the-reawakening/

The Curve theatre,60 Rutland Street, Leicester,LE11UT.
Box Office 01162423560