The Last Temptation of Boris Johnson to tour UK in 2020
Preview by Lizzie Guilfoyle
FOLLOWING a sold-out run at London’s Park Theatre, the new political comedy The Last Temptation of Boris Johnson will tour for the first time in 2020.
Written by journalist, broadcaster and playwright Jonathan Maitland (An Audience with Jimmy Savile, Dead Sheep) and directed by Lotte Wakeham (Artistic Director of the Octagon Theatre, Bolton), the tour will open at the Festival Theatre, Malvern on January 22
It was the dinner that changed history: the night in February 2016 when Boris Johnson decided to vote ‘leave’. Guests included fellow MP Michael Gove, the journalist Sarah Vine and, for Boris at least, the spirits of Prime Ministers past – Margaret Thatcher, Winston Churchill and Tony Blair.
Fast forward to post-Brexit Britain, 2029. Boris, no longer in power (for reasons that may be fact and/or fiction at time of performance!), roams the political wilderness. But unexpected events see him back in the spotlight and with a chance to “make Britain great again”.
The Last Temptation of Boris Johnson addresses the big questions: What will Britain look like in ten years’ time? Is chlorinated chicken really bad for you? And what IS going on inside the head of the most divisive and controversial politician of our time?
As befits the fastest moving story of our time, the script will be updated – nightly, if necessary – to reflect events…
Jonathan Maitland said of his play: “It’s nice to have written something which unites Leavers and Remainers: the audiences so far have laughed, gasped and occasionally cried throughout! It’s quite a brew: politics, power, sex, sovereignty and more re-writes than any withdrawal agreement! But it seems to work. Who’d have thought?”
The Last Temptation of Boris Johnson will have set and costume design by Louie Whitemore, lighting design by Christopher Nairne and sound design by Andy Graham. Casting has not yet been announced.
Following the Malvern dates (January 22 – 25), The Last Temptation of Boris Johnson will continue to Nuffield Southampton Theatres (February 3 – 8), Theatre Royal Windsor (February 10 – 15), Northern Stage, Newcastle (February 18 – 22), Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford (February 24 – 29), The Lowry, Salford (March 2 – 7) and Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne (March 9 – 14).
Image: © Michael Wharley and Rebecca Pitt.