This latest political play from David Hare focuses on the life of a former junior doctor, Pauline Gibson, and her transition from the medical world into the contradictory and backward bubble of Westminster. The piece revolves around a potential leadership contest within the labour party, between Pauline and her confused ex, Jack who is struggling to step into the shoes of his ‘heroically’ socialist father. 

      The national theatre embedded the play on a rotating box, which could adapt itself into a hospital, church, office or bedroom seamlessly between scenes. I would consider the casting excellent, in particular Alex Hassell as the conflicted Jack, at his most humorous moments reminding me of a young Hugh Laurie. Joshua McGuire was also superb as the all-too-cheerful assistant, who embodied the futility of modern party-politics particularly well.

    The plot at time seemed simple and unmoving, with scenes being unbearably stretched, even when the audience could tell where their winding conversations were leading to. Aspects of the plot also felt slightly outdated, which is no wonder when during the interval’s interview, Hare mentioned that he had spent almost 8 years writing sections of the play.

    In summary, the play was an enjoyable watch, but missed the political mark when attempting to make poignant remarks about the injustice faced by both working-class people and especially junior doctors.