Theatre / Reviews
This House by Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Tobacco Factory Theatres – ‘Masterfully combines the laughter value of satire with the intensity of politics’
James Graham’s frequently funny play This House, directed here by Nik Partridge, is an excellent choice for Bristol Old Vic Theatre School (BOVTS)’s latest production.
Seen through the lens of today’s unsteady politics, this play reflects on the hung parliament of 1970s Westminster. We watch the tension building as Labour and the Conservative party continuously fight it out for the ‘odds and socks’ votes (the Scottish, Irish, Welsh and Liberal parties).
At almost three hours, it’s a satire that will keep you on the edge of your seat both from anticipation and laughter – even despite knowing how it all shakes out in the end.
is needed now More than ever
While the majority of the action is focused on the politics of the time, there are subsidiary plot lines involving personal relationships, mental illness, and planned sabotage.
And the thematic strand of potential devolution of Wales and Scotland from the United Kingdom is strongly resonant of today’s society, given the ongoing campaign for Scottish independence.
This isn’t lost on the audience, who erupt into laughter at a joke about not voting for the prime minister.
Ultimately, back in the 1970s, this vote for devolution costs Labour a big vote, allowing the Conservative party to file for a vote of no confidence in the Queen’s government.
There is humour woven throughout the play, but that’s not to detract from the compelling moments of beauty and sadness. Throughout, the deputy leaders from the two main parliamentary parties are shown to have a close relationship built on mutual respect. The narrative ends with a beautiful moment between the two, during which you could hear a pin drop – and which almost brought me to tears.
Given that the production comes from BOVTS students, it’s worth emphasising that technically, it’s quite a feat. The staging and lighting transitions are seamless; the movement sections beautifully choreographed; the 1970s costume design thoughtful and effective.
There are also some standout moments underscored by the clever use of music to build intensity, as well as live singing.
But it’s the acting that steals the show. The ensemble is superb, across the board – with many of them multi-roling and accent-switching with ease.
This House masterfully combines the laughter value of the satire with the intensity of politics. Happily, there isn’t a single moment where it lags; it is fast-paced with plenty of action throughout.
Even if you are not interested in politics, I can highly recommend this play. It represents some of the best acting performances I have seen on a stage.
To keep in touch with news and forthcoming productions from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, visit www.oldvic.ac.uk.
All photos: Craig Fuller
Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
