Press Cuttings ~ [Pentameters Theatre] ~ Review

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It’s always a good time for political satire but lately, with everything going on in the world, it feels like a great time for it. That’s why the Pentameter Theatre’s production of Bernard Shaw’s delightfully witty play ‘Press Cuttings’ is the perfect way to indulge in an hour of pure entertainment.

Set in 1912, the play centres on the subjects of war and women’s suffrage, which tangle together with hilarious results. General Mitchener and Prime Minister Balsquith meet in Mitchener’s office and debate the best course of action to take to deal with the unrest caused by groups of soldiers and women protesting their rights, (or rather lack of). Mitchener is a brash man with old fashioned views, a military mind, and an overbearing attitude, while bumbling Balsquith doesn’t seem to know which way to turn to keep everybody happy. The situation is only exasperated by the arrival and input of an orderly and three women of very different minds but equally strong characters.

Press Cuttings is a charmingly British play with bags of wit and a traditionally satirical style. Evenly paced and rounded off with a satisfying conclusion, this show is pure entertainment. The cast of six infuse the play (which is more than 100 years old) with fresh energy and a real sense of fun. Clive Greenwood impresses with his dynamic performance as the bull-headed General Mitchener, his dialogue hurtling forward with brazen abandon, every inch a cocksure military man. Seamus Newham is an awkward but somewhat endearing Balsquith, fumbling and stuttering through his lines with an ever-present sense of long suffering exhaustion. Joe Sargent’s Orderly is created with fantastic physicality and is a joy to watch, a straight-talking everyman we can all relate to. Battle-axe, Mrs. Banger, is irresistibly funny thanks in no small part to a wonderful performance from Alexis Leighton, while Bethany Blake is a sublimely graceful but undeniably powerful Lady Corinthia Fanshaw. Last, but by no means least, Linda Bardell approaches the character of the reliable (but never to be underestimated) Mrs Farrell with a winning and easy humour.

Michael Friend’s Press Cuttings is naturally comical without feeling forced. The energy is fantastic, though one criticism is that in some places it could do with slowing down. There were times when it seemed too afraid to pause and unfortunately some of Shaw’s razor-sharp dialogue was lost in the rush to get to the next line. Overall though this play is very well put together and enormously good fun. Thoroughly recommended.

Press Cuttings ~ [Pentameters Theatre] ~ Review
★★★★