Musical politics at Waterloo East
London theatre news: Saturday 26 March 2016
London Fringe - Musicals - Opening
Political musicals are on the agenda in the coming month at Waterloo East Theatre - UKIP The Musical starts on 30 March, followed by Corbyn the Musical: The Motorcycle Diaries in mid-April.
Image: Waterloo East Theatre
Waterloo East Theatre seems to be heading for a political phase, if the upcoming shows are anything to go by.
And, given the impending EU referendum, it looks like the theatre's programming might be timely.
First up is UKIP! The Musical which takes a satirical swipe at one of the 'most radical political parties of our time'.
Presented by Hell Bent Theatre, the musical features a host of original and 'appallingly catchy' songs including Bongo Bongo Land, Europa you Raped Her and the UKIppers' anthem, Let's Pull Up The Drawbridge.
For those of you from foreign shores, you may find some of these references rather
obscure - they probably do mean rather more to those who follow British politics more closely.
Synopsis
Nigel Farage (UKIP leader) is a haunted man.
Tormented by feelings of impotence and inadequacy, he just doesn't know how to rescue Britain from Europe's clutches.
However, following a visitation from the Ghosts of Britain's Past (Churchill) and Britain's Quite Recent (Thatcher) he suddenly sees a way to win over the public - only to watch his plan to save Britannia backfire spectacularly.
Will it be too late for our anti-hero to save the day, his country and his wife?
Corbyn The Musical
Image: Waterloo East Theatre
If UKIP isn't enough to satiate your political thirst - or you don't subscribe to that parties political philosophy, there's more ...
In the middle of April, Corbyn the Musical: The Motorcycle Diaries, which claims to be another 'no-holds barred political satire', heads for the theatre.
Written by By Bobby Friedman and Rupert Myers and presented by Forgotten Password Productions, this show focuses on the current leader of the Labour party, Jeremy Corbyn.
Unfortunately for those who haven't yet got tickets (but fortunately for the producers, maybe) this run is now completely sold out.
You can, however, register for returns if you're desperate to see it.
Synopsis
The show sees Jeremy Corbyn facing a nuclear stand-off with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
With pressure mounting on all sides, Corbyn has to face up to the biggest challenge of his career.
But the solution lies in the story of the fateful motorbike holiday apparently taken by a young Corbyn and his then-lover Diane Abbott in 1970s pre-unification East Germany.
Featuring fictional appearances from Boris Johnson, Tony Blair and Ed Miliband amongst many others, Corbyn the Musical has been described as a cross between The Book of Mormon and The Thick of It.
Venue
Waterloo East Theatre
Brad Street
London SE1 8TN
Dates
UKIP The Musical - 30 March to 3 April 2016 (tickets £18 and £15 concessions)
Corbyn the Musical: The Motorcycle Diaries - 12 to 30 April 2016
Links
UKIP The Musical - Waterloo East
Hell Bent Theatre
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