Review: THIS HOUSE, Garrick Theatre

James Graham's political masterpiece makes its long-awaited West End transfer after runs at the National Theatre in 2012-13 and Chichester Festival this September. It takes over from the Branagh Theatre Company at the Garrick for a limited, yet timely, season.

This House is a remarkably accurate fictional representation of real events, surrounding the 1974 Labour Government that fought to retain power in the face of seemingly ever-changing minorities. The action is followed via the Whips' Offices, as they wrangle deal after deal to help swing committee votes their way.

Aside from the lack of working-class Labour MPs now, the parallels are quite incredible: a hung parliament, debate over Scottish powers, a referendum on Europe... Sound familiar? Graham's script is tight, creating a plethora of laugh-out-loud moments that seem too ridiculous to be true - made all the more hilarious knowing that it all did actually happen - including a full-on fight in the House of Commons.

Interwoven into the piece is music from a live band (Acoustic Jim & The Wires), which adds energy and immediacy to the show. It allows for moments such as John Stonehouse attempting to fake his own death feel more theatrical, as well as showing run-of-the-mill moments (like Members assembling in the House) in more dramatic fashion. The band's costumes also give you a good idea of what sort of timeframe the play is currently in.

Rae Smith's set brings the Commons a mile from Westminster to the West End, replete with the iconic green leather seats and a stunning video projection of the famous tower clock face. The inclusion of two levels of onstage seating - as well as a bar during the interval - adds to the feeling of scrutiny that the politicians are under, completely surrounded.

Some of the cast remain from the show's original run at the National Theatre, including Lauren O'Neil as Ann Taylor - the token woman in the Whips' Office, amongst the token Cockney, token working-class Northerner, and all other demographic representatives, according to Chief Whip Bob Mellish (Phil Daniels). O'Neil shows Taylor's strength in negotiating her way through what still is something of a man's world, quickly becoming indispensable. It is a relatively large cast, which allows for considerable numbers of MPs to be included in the story thanks to the company taking on multiple roles. Matthew Pidgeon is particularly hilarious as Tory MPs for Henley (Michael Heseltine) and Chelmsford (Norman St John-Stevas).

Kevin Doyle gives an affecting performance as Mellish's replacement, Michael Cocks, desperately trying to hold the party together to keep power for a full term. He does, however, have some funny moments of his own, a good example being his delight at finding a slim majority ahead of a crucial vote. Nathaniel Parker makes Jack Weatherill (the Conservative Deputy Whip) the most likeable representative of his party - with a natural easy manner and his character's generally honourable intentions. His opposite number, Walter Harrison, is played to perfection by Steffan Rhodri. His innate comic timing makes him ideally suited to the role, as well as showing a more tender side as he tries to look after the infirm Dr Broughton (Christopher Godwin).

Even if you have limited (or no) knowledge of these events in our political history, it is still a compelling and well-crafted piece of theatre. It shows democracy up for the farce it can turn into, whilst giving a moving nod to the ideals of a political system and attempts to show honour and integrity. The words 'must see' have rarely been more apt.

This House is at the Garrick Theatre until 25 February 2017

Picture credit: Johan Persson