Review: JONATHAN PIE - HEROES & VILLAINS, Duke of York’s Theatre
If you ever wondered what happens before a TV report goes live, Tom Walker’s alter ego Jonathan Pie will provide some insight. Teasing online clips show a frustrated reporter revelling in a foul mouthed tirade against those in power. The red light pops on and Pie is a role model of news broadcasting; articulate, intelligent and controlled, full of perception and balanced opinion. The character first rose to prominence following the election victory of Donald Trump when his reports on YouTube went viral with 4.5 million views. There is now an opportunity to see the man in action in this limited run in London’s West End.
On stage, the character assumes the lectern to deliver a lecture that urges people to get their votes out, particularly the three and a half million who will be voting for the first time in this year’s General Election. He conveys a sense of desperation and resignation. Who will the first timers vote for; or more importantly, will they bother voting at all? The paucity of talent leaves a narrow field of chancers who are only looking out for number one. He plots the decline of statesmanship from the heights of Winston Churchill to the depths of under achievement with Liz Truss. He surveys a gallery of former Prime Ministers from Margaret Thatcher and John Major to Tony Blair and Boris Johnson. In his own eyes, a litany of failure to properly serve the people, riddled by self-interest and blatant hypocrisy. The election will be a two horse race between Conservative and Labour. Pie poses the question: who would you vote for – Rishi Sunak (a hedge fund manager) or Keir Starmer (a human rights lawyer). Who exactly are the heroes and villains in this bleak political landscape?
Tom Walker is undoubtedly an excellent performer with a sharp satirical eye. In the space of 70 minutes, he takes aim at the great and good, showing no mercy to those who earn their living in the public eye. He exposes a raw truth about power and how social media turns private lives into public property. His rants are very funny, although on occasion become repetitive as he recycles gags that become increasingly familiar. We share his pain and can only admire someone who says what we’re all thinking. But once the initial impact wears off, he feels like a one gag character. Nevertheless, it remains an entertaining show if a tad predictable.
*** Three stars
Reviewed by: Brian Penn
Jonathan Pie: Heroes & Villains plays at the Duke of York’s Theatre until 27 April, with tickets available here.