Dead Sheep at the Royal & Derngate Review
Dead Sheep
Royal & Derngate, Northampton
19-24 September 2016
Reviewed by Jayne Wiggins
This clever political satire about how Geoffrey Howe ultimately fought back after years of loyalty is filled with humour, tragedy and an irony which is particularly noticeable post Brexit! Jonathan Maitland has been genius in his writing of politics and the back stabbing we all know is prevalent in the political world!
The drama opens in an age of friendship between the then prime minister – Margaret Thatcher – and her chancellor – Geoffrey Howe. Whilst the historically correct story shows the events as seen by the nation after Howe successfully brought cameras into British politics (another of Howe’s legacies not lost on me as we see televised election debates a quarter of a century later!). The audience is drawn into a genuine friendship between the two, with behind the political scenes of support and rescue when Thatcher cannot answer all questions which are fired at her.
However, the doting Elspeth – Howe’s wife, appears early on in this unusual drama. Historically, we know about her appearances, what we can never truly know is the emotional depth of her involvement in British politics at the time. Carol Royle is regal in her role as devoted, supporting wife. Her obvious negative feelings towards Thatcher leave the audience unsure as to whether to dislike her meddling in her husband’s business or to congratulate her ability to keep Howe on track!
The plot thickens as does every good political career! When Howe begins to disagree with Thatcher’s policies on Europe, he is demoted from his role as foreign secretary. He has over stepped his mark, actively threatened to resigns alongside his colleague and would be the start of the fall of Thatcher.
Whilst exceptionally funny in parts, there are also tender moments. The slight tough of an arm by the comic genius Steve Nallon – of Spitting Image notoriety – leaves us feeling slightly sorry for a prime minister who has fought to maintain her power whilst knowing she has lost friends through it. Elspeth’s unending love and support for Howe is instrumental in him staying in politics after his demotion and the audience still cannot truly decide if she was behind the words Howe finally spoke in his resignation speech.
Paul Bradley brings his extensive acting experience to this role and changes from confident loyal Thatcher supporter to down trodden Thatcher victim (almost a victim of his own wife as the two women drew swords!) and eventually the head held high politician the country saw bring down Thatcher. The other cast members brought a wealth of television and theatre experience to this class show, well known faces from tv series such as Casualty and Doctors – to name a few – brought an expertise which was executed perfectly in this masterpiece.
Whilst some of the political jokes and characters might have been lost on younger members, the anecdotes and snide remarks about Europe made this a very entertaining evening’s theatre.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £10 to £29 (booking fees may apply).
Dead Sheep is at the Royal & Derngate in Northampton until 24 September 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 01604 624811.
Royal & Derngate, Guildhall Road, Northampton, NN1 1DP | 01604 624811
