Party Games At New Theatre Cardiff Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Kathy Sanderson
“Party Games” fails to deliver what could have been a truly entertaining satire of the state of British politics.
Having grown up with classics like “Spitting Image”, “Yes, Prime Minister” and “The New Statesman,” and recently enjoyed the portrayal of Julian the Tory MP literally caught with his pants down in “Ghosts,” I was eager for a modern revival of political satire that tackles today’s issues.
Directed by the Director and Chief Executive of the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Joanna Read and written by Michael McManus, who served in Central Office under both Maggie Thatcher and John Major and has inner knowledge and experience of the workings of political parties, Parliament, and Government. This set my expectations quite high.
The set, designed by Francis O’Connor, cleverly reminded me of the Mini—a true British icon—and it readied me for a show that promised to blend nostalgia with cutting-edge satire. The story is set in 2026 amidst a backdrop of growing protests and fears of foreign interference in London’s electricity supply. It follows the newly-formed One Nation party as they scrape through an election to form a minority government and find themselves unexpectedly thrust into No. 10. This scenario was full of potential for sharp political commentary and keen insights into the workings of a government in crisis, but unfortunately, it failed to deliver.
This production missed a golden opportunity for a hard-hitting interpretation of current British politics. Instead of sharp observations or clever political insights, the play leaned heavily on childish humour and cheap laughs, including the overuse of a fart ball toy.
Matthew Cottle, playing the newly elected Prime Minister John Waggner, certainly brought enthusiasm to his role. However, his portrayal ultimately boiled down to a portrayal of a naughty, privileged public school boy, devoid of any substantial critique or depth and totally led by his wife Anne, played well by Natalie Dunn. If intended as a swipe at Boris Johnson, it definitely missed the mark.
My husband found amusement in the technical aspects, particularly how the set doors moved seemingly on their own—a small but clever piece of stagecraft that momentarily distracted from the lacking script.
Sadly, this play was a disappointment. The script was lacking and seemed to cage the actors’ talents within its limited boundaries. Notable performances did emerge, despite these constraints. Ryan Early shone as the hated spin doctor Seth Dickens, bringing a certain flair to his role, and the character of Theresa the spider, alongside Theresa’s owner, the chief whip played by William Oxborow, bringing some much-needed camp relief.
The play lacked the gripping elements, the sharp gasps of wondering whether those boundaries have been pushed too far, that once defined political satire. Perhaps those days are well and truly gone.
As I left the theatre, I was left pondering why I had abandoned the comfort of my own armchair. I would rate this show 2 out of 5—while the actors delivered commendable performances, the script did not serve them well, sadly lacking depth and missing its intended mark.
Rating: 2/5
Tickets cost from £15 plus £3.95 transaction fee
“Party Games” is at New Theatre Cardiff from Wednesday 22nd May – Friday 24th May. For more information or to book tickets visit https://booking.trafalgartickets.com/en/new-theatre-cardiff/buyingflow/tickets/19808/ or call the box office on 0343 310 0041
New Theatre Cardiff, Park Pl, Cardiff CF10 3LN