Madison Yarbrough reviews a play with a potentially terrifying conclusion

Two men in suits on stage, one holding a script — A rehearsal image of Left-right Clive Greenwood as King Charles 111 and Silas Hawkins as Max Moore

Francis Beckett’s on-stage exploration of right-wing tyranny grips audiences in fear via frightening possibility.

Set six days after populist Max Moore has become Prime Minister, the country’s descent into fascism and tyranny begins. An arrogant, threatening combination of Nigel Farage as well as American right-wing idols like Donald Trump and Elon Musk, Moore intends to control the media and the government in an authoritarian manner.

Starting its debut run at Upstairs at the Gatehouse, the cast was strong in their delivery and convictions. Directed by Owain Rose and written by Francis Beckett, the play opened with Max Moore played by Silas Hawkins and King Charles III played by Clive Greenwood.

Immediately we understand how things work at the very top of government, and how easy it is to manipulate it all, partly on account of the UK’s ‘unwritten constitution’. Hawkins delivered a slimy performance as the right-wing leader, forcing the audience to confront their own reality based on our current political world leaders.

Moore’s political advisor, Samantha, played by Abi Haberfield, as well as the leader of the opposition, Pam Jones, played by Miranda Colmans, were the leading women of the play, and lead they did.

Haberfield as Samantha had to deal with the potentially difficult position of being a woman on the right-wing side of politics, and ultimately demonstrated to audiences that no one is safe from tyranny, not even the political advisors.

Colmans, as Pam Jones, delivered a remarkably compelling monologue as a live broadcast speech to a nation divided. Her character, the voice of reason, had the audience clinging to her every word.

Using a minimal set design, just some chairs, a table, and some background noises, the play was successful on account of its dialogue and delivery.

This play demands the engagement of the audience and the acceptance that they are witnessing one very plausible version of the future.

After the opening night performance, playwright Francis Beckett sat down with Neil Kinnock, former leader of the Labour Party and former European Commissioner, to discuss the threat of the far right with the audience after viewing the play.

The audience took part in a lively discussion about politics and the demonstration of such in the play.

Make England Great Again ran at Upstairs at the Gatehouse in Highgate Village from 30th September to 5th October and is back from 14th-19th. Tickets from www.upstairsatthegatehouse.com by phoning 020 8340 3488 or in person at the box office.

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