Churchill’s Urinal
Pleasance, EICC 
⭑⭑⭑☆☆

“THE world and its toilets belong to men,” says the lead character in this political comedy written by and starring Rosie Holt. Holt plays the first ever female chancellor of the Exchequer (we’re told that Rachel Reeves doesn’t exist in this universe) and, as well as fixing the economy, she’s determined to get rid of the stale male urinal sitting in the washroom at Number Eleven.

From there things descend into farce pretty quickly, as it’s revealed that the stately porcelain was once used by none other than Winston Churchill, and Holt finds herself at the centre of a political scandal and a talking urinal.

It’s a snappy and witty play that moves along at a great pace, and both Holt and her co-star, Michael Lambourne, are excellent performers, working nimbly to incorporate the recent changing of the guard at Westminster into the script. As the writer and star of the show, Holt gets the tone perfect and her comic delivery, ranging from the deadpan to physical, keeps the audience thoroughly engaged for an hour.

The show’s underlying theme — Winston Churchill’s status as a sacred cow in British society — is well made. Yet the show’s weakness is that it’s not entirely clear what message we are supposed to take away. While the humour pokes fun at the likes of Reform as the leading disciples of Churchill, there’s little here to really challenge an audience, who are all presumed to be familiar with politics, but without strong opinions in any direction.

Yes, it’s a farce, but with the talent arrayed, there was a missed opportunity for slightly more depth when it came to the subject matter. Is the attempt to claim history for political gain merely window dressing for parties, or does it contribute to a larger distraction from more pressing material issues? Does this play satirise the cult of Churchill, or is it simply another incarnation?

Runs until August 23. For tickets see: edfringe.com.