“Packed with razor-sharp political satire, nostalgic charm and laugh-out-loud comedy, I’m Sorry, Prime Minister is a thoroughly entertaining evening at the theatre.”
From BAFTA-winning writer Jonathan Lynn, co-creator of the classic BBC comedies Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minister, comes the long-awaited final chapter of his acclaimed political satire.
Former Prime Minister Jim Hacker is hoping for a peaceful retirement at Oxford’s Hacker College, but his plans are quickly derailed when he becomes embroiled in a battle with the college committee and finds himself facing modern cancel culture. Thankfully, his ever-cunning former Cabinet Secretary, Sir Humphrey, is on hand, ready to deploy his trademark bureaucratic manoeuvres in a bid to outwit students, academics and anyone else standing in their way.
I do love a small-cast production, and this was a perfect example. With only two to four characters on stage at any one time, the focus remained firmly on the performances and the razor-sharp dialogue. The entire play unfolds on a single set, Jim Hacker’s elegant sitting room within the prestigious Hacker College, Oxford, which provides the perfect backdrop for the political scheming and comic chaos that follows.
Robert Kitson is excellent as the ageing Jim Hacker, portraying a man desperately trying to navigate a world that has changed around him. He enlists the help of a carer (sorry, care worker) Sophie, played by Princess Donnough. As a young Black lesbian, Sophie represents everything Hacker struggles to understand. What begins as a caring role soon develops into that of educator, as she patiently corrects his outdated language and attitudes whenever he inevitably puts his foot in it. Kitson and Donnough have fantastic chemistry on stage, and although their relationship is often wonderfully fraught, it’s full of warmth and provides many of the evening’s biggest laughs.
Sir Humphrey, played by Clive Francis, arrives at Hacker’s after spending some time in what he certainly wouldn’t describe as “a home for the elderly and deranged.” Francis was my standout performer of the evening. From his wonderfully expressive facial reactions to his trademark long-winded Latin monologues, which leave both the audience and the characters on stage equally baffled, every moment he was on stage was comedy gold. His commanding presence, impeccable comic timing and delightfully convoluted bureaucracy made him an absolute scene-stealer.
Rounding out the cast is William Chubb as Sir David, otherwise known as the Grim Reaper. Equally well cast, Sir David is determined to persuade Hacker that it’s finally time to step aside. Chubb delivers the role with just the right balance of authority and dry humour, creating a worthy adversary for Hacker. But will he finally succeed in convincing him to resign?
Will Sir Humphrey manage to outwit the students, the Fellowship and everyone else determined to make life difficult for Hacker? You’ll have to watch to find out.
Packed with witty one-liners, clever political satire and plenty of nostalgic callbacks for fans of the original series, I’m Sorry, Prime Minister is a thoroughly entertaining evening at the theatre. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Yes, Minister or discovering these characters for the first time, there’s plenty to enjoy.
I’m Sorry, Prime Minister is at Theatre Royal Brighton until Saturday 18th July, with evening performances at 7.30pm and matinees on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm. Click HERE to book.
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