Whipping it Up (2011)

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Poster by Poster Designer

by Terry Johnson

Directed by Director's Name

Performances: Tue 20th – Sat 24th February 2011, Prompt Corner


Introduction

Whipping It Up is set in the Conservative Whips' office on a night when the party is desperate to protect a majority of only three from a potential defeat in a debate about the benefits of taxing gypsies and boy scouts. The prospective revolt is the start of a coup from within their own party, although Labour are happy to help out.

We are initially introduced to the unscrupulous pair of Alastair and Tim. They are in the process of persuading a gay tyro that a wrong vote so early in his career would be unwise. In time honoured fashion, their main weapons are bullying and bribery.

Having set the scene, the play instantly takes off with the arrival of Victor Meldrew dressed as Santa. This crotchety, unnamed Chief Whip has a great knack of coming up with pithy if incredibly foul comments about a wide range of subjects starting with beetroot and the attractions of little girls.

The plot thickens (at least a touch) with the arrival of blonde with few clothes and seemingly set on blackmail even before we discover that she is, of all things, an investigative journalist. The only surprise, given her modus operandi is that she represents The Observer rather than the News of the World.

Just when the silliness threatens to get out of hand, the opposition whip, brings some necessary gravitas and competitiveness, as the parties vie in a kind of dirtiest trick competition.

The build up to the big vote with 70 opposition members off having a Christmas dinner with a trade union and the PM delayed in the States.

Whipping It Up is a play about politicking far more than politics.

Cast

Crew

Reviews

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Gallery

Reminiscences and Anecdotes

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See Also

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References

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External Links

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