Edinburgh Arts: <i>The new statesman</i>

The new statesman

In bringing what is possibly their most famous creation to the stage, Lawrence Marks and Maurice Gran could all too easily have fallen into the trap of constructing their new play solely the character of Alan B'stard. It is very much to their credit that, while Rik Mayall remains the star of the evening, the other actors are also given well-rounded roles to play. None of the principal characters are entirely innocent - it's almost a foregone conclusion that B'stard must triumph at the close, but the fact his antagonists will also play dirty when required ensures the audience's interest is maintained throughout. That said, I'd like to hope Condoleeza Rice has a better grasp of world geography than her portrayal here ...

B'stard turns out to be behind any number of scandals to have hit British politics since the last time we saw him (in 1993) and Rik Mayall is clearly relishing this opportunity to return to the role. In the secondary roles, Helen Baker and Clive Hayward were particularly good as Flora and Frank respectively, the former's representation of New Labour ambitions particularly telling.

Needless to say, a good grasp of recent British political history comes in very handy with this sort of play, but there's more than enough other content to The new statesman - being politics, sexual debauchery figures highly! - to make the performance an enjoyable one for all. Thoroughly recommended.

(6th June 2006)

The new statesman - Episode 2006: the Blair B'stard project runs until Saturday 10th June at the Edinburgh Playhouse, 18-22 Greenside Place. Telephone the box office on (0131) 524 333 for further details.