Show: BoJo’s World
Format: Play
Genre: Musical
Cast: Luke Morgan, Sarah Sharp, Faye Draper & Ciara O’Neill
Review Date: March 5 2020
Performances: March 4-5 2020; 7.30pm
Location: Hope Street Theatre, Liverpool
Duration: 55 Minutes
Age Rating: 15+
So, BoJo’s World is a somewhat unusual, often light-hearted, at times darkly comical but, above all, thoroughly entertaining hour of a stage performance held at Liverpool’s Hope Street Theatre.
BoJo’s World
Synopsis Of BoJo’s World
BoJo is, of course (or unfortunately, depending on your point of view), Boris Johnson, played here by Luke Morgan. Sporting the blonde dye-job that is still better-taken care of than the hairdo of the actual Boris, as well as a typically “casual” suit and tie (with an untucked shirt to boot), and with a red clown nose, this version of Boris is … well, stunningly accurate actually, because that is how the Prime Minister of the (currently) United Kingdom presents himself.
The fact that the show has great attention to detail and intelligent use of wit for the costumes of its lead characters, and yet the pastiches are not too far from the truth, is a sign of how troubled our current political hierarchy really is. Within the first minute or two, those sentiments were shared by others in the room: after the narrator informed any Tories in attendance to go away (which got good laughs), BoJo introduced himself to his “friends”, only to be immediately told “fuck off Boris!” by a member of the audience (which got even bigger laughs).
Lampoon
Thankfully, though, we were able to do our best to not think too hard about the sad realities of 2020 Britain, and instead focus on lampooning the more ridiculous elements of our current and former politicians in this show. The premise is that Boris, even more so than he is in real life, is a clown, and this show is essentially the sandbox of his crazy, often warped mind, at least when it comes to his politics. After a Benny Hill-style chase from BoJo (with him hiding behind a curtain sporting the flag of the European Union), we begin to meet his “friends”.
After seemingly drawing a star on the stage floor, BoJo is revealed to be actually summoning Margaret Thatcher (Faye Draper sporting an entire head mask to represent her) from, well, you know where. We meet his other “friends”, Tony Blair and George W. Bush, played by Ciara O’Neil and Faye respectively. Besides their initial “introductions”, with their masks drawing big chuckles, this is a largely serious portion of the evening, focusing on the grim nature of the second Gulf War, Britain’s role in proceedings, and how the Blair-Bush alliance overshadowed whatever the truth was or wasn’t behind the conflict.
Tone
The tone is lightened again as we meet David Cameron (I never thought I’d write that sentence), also sporting a full head mask. I should mention that, with the exception of the unnamed narrator and BoJo’s opening words, none of the characters actually speak, with the PA system providing dialogue from each of the politicians, or at least their impersonators, often to the sound of music. That is prevalent here when Cameron (also played by Morgan) “sings” and dances along to a very clever remix of Shotgun, entitled Trust Fund, focusing on his post-PM wealth.
We also get a very amusing call-back to the allegations that he once, erm, well let’s just say that a pig was involved. Then Boris introduces Theresa May, played by Sarah Sharp. This was a memorable section, as May dances along to numerous tunes, such as Chariots Of Fire, Dancing Queen (which, of course, she really did), and accompanied by her fellow female cast members, Bootylicious, C’Est La Vie, and finally Arlene, a fantastic spoof of Jolene pertaining to her “friend” in office Arlene Foster.
Parody
Speaking of Foster (portrayed by Ciara), she is also the subject of parody, pertaining to the objections that Northern Ireland held until recently towards gay marriage, which sees the other female characters go to some lengths to show which side of the argument they stand on! After a scene referring to Johnson’s most controversial comments on the subject of race (or, to put it another way, the comments that virtually everybody outside the Conservative Party deemed to be racist), we head to the finish line with Cameron and May continuously dropping the ball on Brexit, until Johnson finally snatches it, only for the narrator to have him realise that he has no real plan.
It is here that things get serious again, with BoJo’s unnecessary plans for a bridge to Northern Ireland apparently overriding the very real societal breakdowns, increasing health problems and never-ending financial instability for the poor while he and his fellow head politicians rake it in (on a day when MP’s received a further above-inflation pay rise to £82,000, further widening the gap between those with wealth and those who suffer).
Confetti
At the very end, with his own confetti having adorned the floor that represents his own world, it is left to Jeremy Corbyn to sweep things up, but it remains to be seen as to who will get the opportunity to deal with Boris on behalf of the Labour Party and on behalf of those most affected by the Tory government, especially since we’re only at the end of the beginning when it comes to Brexit, not the beginning of the end.
Analysis Of BoJo’s World
This is a real gem of a show. All four performers are very talented. And they’re very well-adept at the little nuances that can turn a good show into a great one. See Johnson sniggering like a naughty schoolchild. Theresa trying to stay put when Boris attempts to pull her away for her own good. And the seemingly-disinterested nature of Donald Trump and family when saving the day for Johnson at the end.
The use of music has had real thought put into it. This serves a purpose not only for telling the story but also for generating big laughs. The props are mostly effective. And the Succour Punch Theatre team as a whole have managed to walk the fine line. They emphasise the very serious problems facing Britain at this time. But it’s in such a way that we can laugh at the insane aspects of these highly-political men and women.
Real
The sad thing, of course, is that barely any of the situations portrayed here are actually exaggerations. Instead, the volume turns up on each situation and character trait. But all key elements have strong supportive evidence behind them. Even sadder is the British population, knowing what was likely to transpire. Yet the Tories brainwashed the country with the misleading slogan of “Get Brexit Done”. Hence, the public voted for this chaos to increase a stranglehold on power. This explains the closing song that acts as a letter to the UK as a whole. Still, we’re already three months in. So, at least we’re 5% in and 95% away from real change being a possibility. Hey, I need to find optimism somewhere.
Summary Of BoJo’s World
BoJo’s World is a truly great hour of political satire. Tories may well turn their noses up at this. But honestly, I think they simply have to watch this. Maybe then they will comprehend what real people, away from the false reality of Westminster, believe and experience every day. As for Boris, hopefully, this show represents the height of his bizarre career as a political figure. If not, then the eventual BoJo’s World 2 will be even funnier, even more insane, and even sadder upon reflection. Either way, though, you must see this theatre show.
Notes
Target Audience: Ages 18+
Content: Infrequent Strong Language & Occasional Sexual Themes
Recommendation?: Yes
