Reviewed by Jenny Seymour
This political play set in Sheffield over two decades (the 80s local council politics and current time mayoral elections) portrays the battles in politics, particularly for women.
The play is so well written by local playwright Chris Bush. The writing is inspired – it captures the political rhetoric (even to the current references of anti-Semitism in the Labour party) and has some hilarious comedy references (Julie Walters’ “two soups” and Monty Python to name just two).
It is also so well cast – Rebecca Scroggs and Nigel Betts effortlessly flow from scene to scene, accent to accent and everything from musical interludes between scenes and changing costumes is timed to perfection. From the first scene when many of the sentences are left unspoken – the two main characters from the 2018 mayoral candidate selection campaign for Labour form unlikely team-mates: a career politician originally from Sheffield, unseated in her southern constituency forced to return to Sheffield to face the last battle in her political career, her final chance to “make it” as a politician and become mayor of Sheffield v. a die-hard staunch labour election campaigner who has been given the job of ensuring that Vanessa becomes mayor of Sheffield as the Labour candidate, but who truly believes that Labour means “graft”. Can these two members of the same party with polar-opposite views of what is right for their beloved party and this city be brought together to fight a battle for the people of Sheffield?
It is Ian’s job to remain tight-lipped in the face of Vanessa’s apparent sanctimonious arrogance and persuade her to put forward a winning campaign – even if it means recognising Sheffield’s history of steel when Vanessa believes the city should move on from its past and invest in new industry and innovation.
We are also catapulted back to the 80s and a local council meeting where a young black woman speaks out for labour union issues and is awkwardly invited to stand as a local councillor by Dai Griffiths, again a staunch traditional Labour councillor who cares about the future of Labour and wants to see the next generation inspired to vote Labour.
Following a fast-paced first half we are left uplifted and ready to see what befalls the two Labour candidates – will they be successful?
The audience made a collective gasp as the second half unfolded and we heard stories of the racism and sexism that seems to have rocked the foundations of the decade that we knew and loved.
Josie Kirkwood stood by as Dai took her views and bandied them as her own. She stood by and watched him take the credit for the policies that she developed. However, Josie Kirkwood was made of stronger stuff than that and didn’t let her experiences change what she stood for. Could the “steel lady” in 2018 withstand similar pressures or would her political honour be torn to shreds by skeletons in the closet? Should someone’s private life be open to scrutiny when actually they stand for what is right and just or do we still live in age where being in public office entitles others to scrutinise your history?
In part a sad indictment of politics both in the 80s, where women had to fight so hard for a place to be heard, and currently, where “celebrity” media and election campaigns are fought and won by slurring the opposition rather than on party policies.
I was gripped from start to finish. The dialogue is compelling, witty and intelligent. A great piece of theatre!
Another Sheffield classic! This time looking at power and politics over two decades. Please go to see it.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £19 (booking fees may apply).
Steel is at the Crucible Studio Theatre in Sheffield from 13 September to 6 October 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk or call the box office on 0114 249 6000.
Crucible Theatre, 55 Norfolk Street, Sheffield, S1 1DA | 0114 249 6000
