Review: 1979, Finborough Theatre
Photo credit: Simon Annand
Kicking off the Finborough Theatre’s 2024 season is the European premiere of Michael Healey’s 1979 – a sharp 80-minute whistle-stop tour of 20th century Canadian politics. Bristling with wit, Healey’s play breaks down the leadership struggle between the Liberals and the Progressive Conservatives during Joe Clark’s brief tenure as Canada’s youngest prime minister.
Healey manages to wrangle what could easily be Ryvita-dry content into a surprisingly entertaining and interesting insight into the machinations of political office. With this European premiere, the Finborough Theatre continues its commitment to showcasing unique new writing with a broad international scope, and the timing of this programming could not be more timely with a UK general election looming in the near future…
Samantha Coughlan as a young Stephen Harper (future prime minister) delivers a chilling and incisive thesis on the difference between policy and politics, remarking that, while policy represents the interests of the people and serving the country, the most successful leaders are those who commit to politics and service of themselves and their career advancement. As an enthusiastic Canadian Thatcherite, Harper takes inspiration from the Iron Lady’s recent victory in the 1979 UK general election – a proud example of politics over policy, which audiences will recognise in the leadership of the current Conservative party.
Additional historical and political context is provided by projected footnotes onto a screen that blends into the set, which is effective in foregoing any onerous narrated exposition. This production seems to take a beat to find its feet and settle into its comedic rhythm, but the sarcastic, self-effacing footnotes (“You didn’t come here to read”) reassure the audience of the intended tone.
Jimmy Walters directs this play at a relentless pace, maintaining dynamism throughout – quite a feat for a play that unfolds in one location in real time, with only one entrance to boot.
Joseph May leads the ensemble as Joe Clark – as soft and warm as his brown corduroy suit, Clark is presented as a leader motivated by principals, decency and honest ambition, qualities mocked by the more senior and cynical characters such as the smooth-talking Pierre Trudeau (Ian Porter). Joseph May’s nervous stuttering and stammered, reluctant curse-words is hopelessly adorable, but equally impressive is the quiet, passionate resolve that underpins the character of Joe Clark. Perhaps unsuited for a long-term career in politics, we can at least see how he got this role in the first place.
May is confidently supported by Porter and Coughlan who rotate confidently through a cast of different characters of vastly differing political persuasions and moral rectitude.
It’s always a marvel to see how the Finborough is completely transformed from show to show, and Mim Houghton’s elegant and efficient set design uses the natural shape of the Finborough auditorium, as well as the original windows and cornicing to create the prime ministerial office of Joe Clark.
More than an entertaining history lesson, 1979 is an incisive exploration of politics, business, diplomacy, and ambition. You’ll never believe you could be so interested in Canadian politics.
*** Three stars
Reviewed by: Livvy Perrett
1979 plays at London’s Finborough Theatre until 27 January, with further information here.