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New Labour. A term that once held so much hope is now loaded with bitterness since the shattered D:Reams of 1997 gave way to the Iraq War, the 'Credit Crunch' and, ultimately, The Coalition.
History is yesterday's politics. Politics is tomorrow's history. This phrase was emblazoned on the wall of my A Level history classroom. It was not until the days following September 11th, 2001, that it truly spoke to me. Watching history unfold before my eyes that day left me, like everyone else, feeling sick, particularly when one friend over eagerly declared "It's going to be the start of World War 3!"
9/11 is a day we should never forget, yet, largely, we succeed in doing so as day-to-day life rolls by. And so, revisiting the New Labour period through the eyes of a labour insider's diaries felt somewhat cathartic. Former MP Chris Mullin's diary extracts have been superbly brought to life on stage by Michael Chaplin in 'A Walk On Part. An ensemble cast of five talented players, with John Hodgkinson at the forefront cutting a slightly hunched, bedraggled figure as the self-deprecating Mullin.
At times deeply moving, downright funny and utterly heartwarming, nostalgia for New Labour's early years comes in waves and fits of laughter throughout the first act as we are treated to a host of well-known characters including John Prescott, George Osbourne, Tony Benn, Clare Short and, of course, Tony Blair with Hewyl Morgan's portrayal uncannily polished to a shiny-smiled tee.
As the fresh faced Tony settles into his role as PM, we follow Chris Mullin's journey alongside his leader, whom he dubs 'The Man', as he is promoted from the Backbenches to junior minister positions in Environment, Transport and Regions and International Development, but the success on Mullin's horizon is interrupted. Gut-wrenching scenes from 9/11 are presented delicately, but the focus is on what followed. The interval arrives as bombs start falling on Baghdad and a sombre mood descends on the audience.
The second half remains fast-paced and good-humoured, but the overarching message is of Mullin's personal sacrifice of power in favour of principles - and the subsequent price he paid. He voted against Iraq, fell out of love with Blair's blaze of glory and lost favour in the House. Yet, he can hold his head high, and his part played in history is laid bare for all to see, and, no doubt, for future history students to study.
8/10
Do not miss the chance to catch A Walk On Part: The Fall of New Labour - limited run until Saturday 14th July at The Arts Theatre, West End.
http://www.artstheatrewestend.co.uk/whatson
