On taking our seats we were impressed with the set, obviously inside the House of Commons with Big Ben’s clock face lighting up the top of the stage.
This play covers the four and a half years the Labour government were in power with a very tiny minority, this became a nightmare for the whips of the house.
I learnt a lot last night about politics of the mid 1970’s and the pressures the politicians were under. So many labour MP’s died in that period of time which was unprecedented, this added to the difficulty of a hung parliament and the job of the Party Whips.
As Ann Taylor(the first female party whip)says in the play it’s easier to school a bunch of unruly children than try to organise politicians getting them in to vote and then according to party lines.
The play was enjoyable and interesting and although it was fast paced I found the near three hours hard going. For the first time in awhile of theatre going I noticed the seats were uncomfortable even so I did nearly fall asleep, no reflection really on the great acting and accents.
Background information for this play can be found with this link https://d2igo9sfit4k1n.cloudfront.net/uploads/2017/07/07165631/this-house-learning-March.pdf
It is very informative supported by the Arts Council.
A mention to the musicians on a gallery at the top of the stage added to the atmosphere and reflecting the time.
Incidentally the writer of this Play is a local man from Annesley in Nottingham, James Graham, one more reason to go and see This House.
This House runs until Saturday 14th at Nottingham Theatre Royal. Tickets can be booked here.
Review by Ann Taylor
