Hell Yes I'm Tough Enough, Park Theatre - ★★★★ - Until May 18, 2019


This is "Brexit: The Prequel" – a darkly comic exposé of how Britain got into its current mess. In this world premiere, writer, Ben Alderton, spares no one in his skewering of the way politics has been done. The last days of the Tory-Liberal Democrat coalition and the failed Labour campaign of 2015 provide an amusing and sobering backdrop for the political egos on parade. This is a well-acted piece with particular accolades going to Ben Alderton for his vain and vacuous David Carter and to Ben Hood for his ineffective and indecisive Ned Contraband. We also thought Michael Edwards stood out in his comic turn as the goofy guru, Will, and Annie Tyson was suitably menacing as Glynnis the formidable fixer. They were given some well wrought and witty words and they made the most of them. The ironic title ultimately becomes a rallying cry for all those who understand how British politics must change, but the conclusion became a little preachy in attempting to offer some hope for a better way of doing things. As George Santayana observed "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it" and this piece is a thoroughly enjoyable aide-memoire. If you are looking for a funny and thoughtful night of theatre, look no further.

Reviewed by J.C.

 Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆ 

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WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until May 18, 2019
Mon - Sat: 7:45 pm, Thu & Sat: 3:15 pm
Park Theatre
Nearest tube: Finsbury Park Station, Station Place Exit 
www.parktheatre.co.uk/whats-on/hell-yes-im-tough-enough
Map & Location: Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London N4 3JP, UK

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