The Constituent

Old Vic, 08/07/24

Credit: Manuel Harlan

Final rating: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

James Corden is back on the West End, and he returns with a real bang. Starring alongside Anna Maxwell Martin, this production is a treat.

It’s political – duh, it’s about an MP and her constituent – but it addresses the safety of MPs in an interesting, gripping and almost whodunnit fashion. Joe Penhall’s writing is sharp; both parts comic and moving. It makes you think, and it’s fantastic to see two amazing actors bring the script to life. Corden plays Alec – who starts as a friendly and giving security specialist installing CCTV in his MP’s (Martin) office. Ultimately, his journey goes down a dark path as he breaks down in this office and complains as his life falls apart. It culminates in a chilling scene, where the usually orderly office is ransacked and turned completely upside down. He’s suspected of causing the damage, though of course pleads his innocence.

That brings me on to the third actor in the play – Zachary Hart – who plays for the most part Police Officer Mellor (as well as some sort of therapist on Zoom). And I have to say I felt a little sorry for him at times, as the character feels severely under-written and he at times serves no real purpose other than to be the butt of the jokes about the police. Don’t get me wrong, he plays the part of clueless, callous officer well – but at times the role was not particularly necessary.

The play also heavily relied on music to fill the gaps during the various blackouts, while the stage could be reset. And unfortunately, for me it didn’t really work. The choices were a bit off. Heavy electric guitars, political lyrics of songs around in the 80’s, it sort of shattered the illusion a bit and took me out of my immersion in the story. Even the final song, which rang out after the bows as the audience filed out: The Heavy – What Makes A Good Man? – I just felt the music didn’t really compliment the action on stage.

That said, the staging was very simple but effective. A carpeted MPs office for the entire duration of the play. But it was staged cleverly – the audience sat on both sides, something I’d not seen done at the Old Vic before.

There was some brilliant acting and I definitely enjoyed it. But I do fear that if I was watching that play with a different cast, it wouldn’t translate as well – so for that reason I can’t give it four stars. A lot of the writing worked, but some of it didn’t. I do think James Corden’s portrayal of Alec’s breakdown deserves a lot of credit, and it is quite an emotional watch to see him grapple with desperation, all the while not wanting to feel sorry for him due to his aggressive behaviour towards his MP. Definitely a thinker – but perhaps not one I’ll stay thinking about all that long.