Reviews

The Absence of War at Bristol Old Vic - Review

Posted on: 2015-03-11

This is a thought provoking piece of theatre, posing a series of intriguing questions regarding honour and political machinations which are especially relevant in election year. Well worth a look.

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It can surely be no coincidence that Headlong’s revival of David Hare’s 1993 play about a beleaguered Labour leader has come about as the countdown to the General Election has got underway. Parallels can most definitely be seen between the characters on stage and the real life figures fighting it out in Westminster. Though set in 1992 ‘The Absence of War’ still clearly resonates with a public caught up in the fight between principles and electability.

It’s the run up to the election and we find ourselves following opposition leader George Jones during the final 3 weeks of his campaign. Despite genuinely believing that it is possible to change society for the better he’s finding it difficult to get his message across to the voting masses. A challenge made all the more complex as he is plagued by a hostile media, and a party that is divided by internal arguments and therefore unable (or unwilling) to truly unite behind its leader.

Desperately trying to cling to his belief that Socialist policies are “the only practical instrument that exists in this country for changing people’s lives for good”, he has advocated modernising reforms that have alienated the traditionalists in the party and is left questioning his ability and that of his advisors. Jones is persuaded to compromise his integrity and instead concentrate on policies that will make the party electable; becoming a robotic mouthpiece for party rhetoric and losing much of his self in the process.

His downfall when it comes has a distinct inevitability about it. Having been robbed of his spontaneity and personality and clashing with the advisors supposed to support him, Jones is destined to fall short. A devastating confrontation with his shadow chancellor and his subsequent failure to deliver a crucial speech, as when finally left to his own devises he finds himself truly lost for words are the dramatic highpoints of the piece and are delivered in a poignant manner as he graciously concedes defeat and reaffirms his commitment to a party that let him down.

As George Jones, Trevor Fox (stepping in at the last minute for an unwell Reece Dinsdale) gave a compelling performance; lending a vulnerability to a character who is a flawed but fundamentally decent man, forced to smother his real “articulate, funny and authoritative” self in order to appear Prime Minister material in the eyes of a cynical public. He was ably supported by a cast of convincing characters; James Harkness as his aide Andrew Buchan gave an energetic performance, Don Gallagher was a delight as a smarmy TV interviewer and Maggie McCarthy was reliable giving an authentic performance as diary secretary Gwenda.

Working with a stark set Jeremy Herrin has done a fine job directing. He makes use of video monitors and rapid scene changes to create a real sense of urgency in the campaign room and effectively utilises humour throughout to carry the audience along in the chaotic, media circus surrounding the politicians.

This is a thought provoking piece of theatre, posing a series of intriguing questions regarding honour and political machinations which are especially relevant in election year. Continuing at Bristol Old Vic until 14th March, it is well worth a look.

4/5

Reviewed by Sarah-Jane Howard for 365Bristol - the leading events and entertainment website in Bristol. 

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