Blair on Broadway - Arts Theatre
Preview by Lizzie Guilfoyle
FOLLOWING last year’s success at Islington’s Hens and Chickens theatre, Blair on Broadway, a satirical, musical retrospective of the Blair decade, transfers to the West End – to the Arts Theatre where it runs from January 17 to January 31, 2008.
MPs appearing for one night only and for a charity of their choosing include Labour backbencher Bob Marshall-Andrew QC; former BBC reporter and independent MP Martin Bell; and Liberal Democrat and Cheeky Girl partner Lembit Opik.
Others – such as The South Bank Show host and member of the House of Lords, Melvyn Bragg; Gay Rights campaigner Peter Tatchell; former Blair speechwriter Rod Liddle; and journalists Polly Toynbee and Andrew Rawnsley – will be making cameo appearances.
Songs include Spin While You’re Winning, Shoulder to Shoulder, a duet between Tony Blair and George Bush, and the ballad Purer Than Pure. All have been updated for the Arts run.
Jessica Dawes directs the ten-strong cast featuring Joshua Martin (Tony Blair), William Hazell (Alistair Campbell), Tim McArthur (John Prescott), Peter McMillan (Peter Mandelson/Jeremy Paxman), Tara Siddall (Cherie Blair) and Dan Wheeler (William Hague/George Bush).
Blair on Broadway, a Third Way Production, has a book and lyrics by Iain Hollingshead and music by Timothy Muller.