The Cabinet Minister
The show tells the story of a Minister whose son and wife have racked up thousands in debts and loans. While it's a comedy at heart—and this stays true throughout—I felt that some of the jokes went over the heads of many audience members. Simpler lines, like the one about how long a foot is, stood out as those that had the entire audience laughing.
It’s hard to say whether this is a positive or a negative for a play based on a novel from 1839. Yet, even now, the plot feels all too real. Our politicians and their spouses are still taking money from wealthy private citizens, hoping to gain influence or engage in insider trading. That said, I went in expecting the play to be far more political than it was. Instead, it's more about relationships and dynamics than politics.
The play is split into four acts, with one interval. Each act is marked by a short musical number performed by the actors themselves, which I found to be a delightful touch. I love when actors get the chance to showcase their other talents.
The set design is phenomenal and incredibly realistic. There are chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, tiled floors, and fully furnished rooms. To create a sense of an actual home, there’s wallpaper and framed photos on the walls. After the interval, the set shifts to a room with wood panelling, signaling a move up north—a very effective change.
George Blagden plays the rogue Valentine White, a charming character who rebels against society and longs to return to nature, avoiding what the English have become. Matthew Woodyatt plays Sir Colin Macphail, a man whose humor lies in how little he gets to say. His mother, Lady Macphail (Dillie Keane), takes over the dialogue with her hilarious, anecdotal Scottish wailings.
Paul Foster has done a wonderful job directing this show, and the cast works wonderfully together. Joanna Goodwin’s movement direction also adds to the magic, culminating in a lovely dance number, with our exasperated Minister running around to close the show.
This show was reviewed on the 28th September 2024 at the Menier Chocolate Factory, London where the show runs until the 16th November 2024. Tickets available here: Buy The Cabinet Minister tickets | Menier Chocolate Factory Official Box Office
Review written by Valentine Gale-Sides
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Photo credit: Tristram Kenton
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