Review: TONY! [THE TONY BLAIR ROCK OPERA], Yvonne Arnaud Theatre - Tour
Photo credit: Mark Senior
Tony [The Tony Blair Rock Opera] is off on its UK tour and as a precursor, this is not a show that everyone will enjoy but if you know what you are signing up for, you are in for a night of laughs and exceptional satirical musical comedy.
The show opens with Tony Blair on his deathbed asking “has he lived a good life?”. We are then transported back to the beginning for a whistle stop tour of the life of the country’s longest serving Labour Prime Minister. Along the way, we are joined by a cast of all your ‘favourite’ political figures and silliness ensues. Tony Blair can be credited with the rebranding of the Labour Party but this musical certainly doesn’t try to rebrand the politician. This comic musical reviews his successes and failures, from the wars he (allegedly) started to the ban on fox hunting, and makes fun of them in spades.
The cast is led by Jack Whittle as a gormless Tony Blair, controlled by the charismatic and creepy Peter Mandelson, played by Howard Samuels. However, this is truly an ensemble piece and the collection of caricatures we see on stage, complete with bad wigs, really bring the party. Emma Jay Thomas as Princess Diana is a particular stand out. What was it Oscar Wilde said about imitation being the sincerest form of flattery? These are certainly not flattering portrayals, especially Gordon Brown, but they are certainly recognisable and necessary for the hilarity of the story.
The three piece band, complete with Labour red ties, are excellent. So many productions with live music struggle to get the mixing levels right but here it is spot on and none of the quick and witty lyrics are missed. A catalogue of catchy songs by Steve Brown about topics ranging from macroeconomics to ‘The People’s Princess’ is perfectly paired with the book by famed comedian, Harry Hill. A rock opera seems to be an unexpected vehicle to tell but this show is full of surprises. The drama that the music brings as the cast repeatedly belt out ‘Tony Blair’ matches the often ludicrous nature of the action.
Tony [The Tony Blair Rock Opera] knows what it is and doesn’t take itself too seriously, and neither should any audience member. This raucous romp through British Politics is ridiculously funny and one not to miss!
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Sophie Luck
Tony! [The Tony Blair Rock Opera] plays at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford until 3 June before continuing its tour. To book tickets for select touring venues, please click here.