I’m Sorry Prime Minister
Apollo Theatre, London
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
 

IT’S PERFECT timing for this latest manifestation of the Yes Minister/Prime Minister genre. The hit political series of the 1980s written by Jonathan Lynn and Antony Jay takes another turn as former sparring partners Prime Minister Jim Hacker and Cabinet Secretary Sir Humphrey Appleby reunite in retirement.

Written by Lynn (Jay died in 2016), I’m Sorry Prime Minister retains all the zip and wit of the original. Griff Rhys Jones (Hacker) and Clive Francis (Sir Humphrey) brilliantly recreate the rancorous relationship the two had in office.

The reason for the reunion is the imminent sacking of Hacker as rector of an Oxford College, due to his outdated and politically incorrect remarks. The two old combatants need each other’s help.

A new character Sophie (Stephanie Levi-John) makes up the trio, as Hacker’s care worker. Former private secretary, Bernard Woolley (played originally by Derek Fowlds) has died three years previously, something Hacker has forgotten.

The creation of the Sophie character is ingenious, as she becomes the central pivot that the others bounce off. She also represents the polar opposite of the ageing politician and civil servant, epitomising the problems of an unrewarded graduate, wise beyond her years, and yet more fulfilled than the two old men.

The quick-fire dialogue retains all the resonance of the original, as the two old warriors spar, while Sophie delivers 21st century reality checks. Lynn’s script covers much contemporary ground from the challenges of ageing to Brexit, cancel culture, culture wars and injustice. It would be interesting to know what the watching Michael Gove made of the content on press night.

There is also an attempt to address the challenges of old age. Looking back to how things used to be, as one’s contemporaries die off. In addition to Woolley, the two men’s wives have also departed. The uniting theme is that everyone needs someone.

The new play, which transferred from the Barn in Cirencester, certainly stays true to the original creation. Excellent performances from Rhys Jones, Francis and Levi-John do justice to the original cast, which is no mean feat, given their iconic nature. William Chubb, as Sir David, plays a nice cameo role.

The ingenious nature of the script is its ability to link to the original yet also move the story on and make it relevant to the present day. Lynn and co-director Michael Gyngell ensure a lovely pace to proceedings.

One does wonder, however, how appealing the play will be to those coming fresh to the story: those who did not live through the original ’80s series with Paul Eddington, Nigel Hawthorne and Fowlds or have not seen the repeats. Will they have the same appreciation? I’m Sorry Prime Minister touches on so many contempory themes that it may not matter.

For those new to the subject, the desire to watch the originals in a back-to-the-future moment is likely to grow. This is a very enjoyable play that really does do justice to the original, while having an originality of its own and moving forward. Highly recommended.

Runs until May 9. Box office: 0330 333-4809, theapollotheatre.co.uk.