Reviews of three theatrical productions: 'I'm Sorry, Prime Minister,' a stage adaptation of the classic political satire starring Griff Rhys Jones and Clive Francis; 'Man And Boy,' a modern revival of Terence Rattigan's play featuring Ben Daniels; and 'Miles,' a biographical play about jazz legend Miles Davis.
Jonathan Lynn, the co-author of the iconic BBC comedy series Yes, Minister, has adapted his Eighties political satire , originally starring Paul Eddington and Nigel Hawthorne, for the stage. This 'final chapter,' titled I'm Sorry , Prime Minister , stars Griff Rhys Jones as the aging ex-PM Jim Hacker and Clive Francis as Sir Humphrey Appleby, his former senior civil servant.
The setting finds Hacker, now the Master of an Oxford college, grappling with the indignities of old age, including elasticated waistbands and a litter picker. Sir Humphrey, still impeccably dressed, is rescued from a care home to help Hacker navigate politically incorrect blunders and retain his position. A significant change is the addition of Sophie, Hacker's black lesbian care worker, played by Stephanie Levi-John, who mediates between the two old adversaries. The play revisits the familiar dynamic of institutional filibustering, albeit with the diminished allure of the Westminster power games. The humorous nostalgia, while present, feels somewhat muted, and Rhys Jones's performance is described as lacking the sharp wit of his character. However, Francis delivers the strongest performance. Alongside, the National Theatre presents a revival of Terence Rattigan's 1963 play, Man And Boy. This production reimagines the Romanian millionaire antihero Gregor Antonescu, played by Ben Daniels, as a contemporary embodiment of the self-serving oligarchs who dominate the 21st century. Gregor, on the brink of bankruptcy, is presented as a charismatic trickster, his accent shifting between Brooklyn and Bucharest, and his actions are designed to manipulate and control those around him. The play, set in a modern context, explores the audience's mixed feelings about such figures. The production uses choreographed movement, edgy jazz drumming, and a billboard displaying the actors' names to create a provocative expressionistic style. Laurie Kynaston plays Gregor's estranged son, Basil, and Malcolm Sinclair portrays a stodgy millionaire CEO, both of whom are caught in Gregor's manipulative schemes. The production highlights the lengths to which such individuals will go to achieve their goals. Finally, Benjamin Akintuyosi's Miles, a 90-minute play seen at the Edinburgh Fringe, reimagines the legendary jazz trumpeter Miles Davis. The play recounts stories of his life, including his relationship with Dave Brubeck, his love for Juliette Greco, and his struggles with heroin. Through the perspective of a contemporary musician seeking to understand Davis's genius, the play delves into the legacy of the jazz legend, making it seem like he is performing in South London
Theatre Reviews I'm Sorry Prime Minister Man And Boy Miles Griff Rhys Jones Clive Francis Ben Daniels Miles Davis Political Satire Jazz Terence Rattigan Drama
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