A RECENT edition of the Today programme spoke of the increased popularity of
political plays.

Sale Nomads have followed the trend with their  production of Feelgood, a satirical take on political spin by Alistair Beaton.   It is one of the best I have seen in their clubhouse.

It takes you back to the Blair years. Although Billy Jellyman’s portrayal of the PM is not particularly Blair-like, he enters with style from the back of the room, shaking hands on his way to the rostrum. 

Known by his colleagues as DL (Divine Light) he delivers the climax of the play, his Conference speech, brilliantly.    His supposedly ‘heartfelt, spontaneous’ speech introduces the catch phrase “We want a job culture, not a yob culture.”

Despite his convincing performance Billy’s is not the key role.

That goes to Peter Nawn who as Eddie, his spin doctor, is as snake-like as they come.  

Peter is on stage throughout and gives an unforgettable performance as he paces up and down, increasing the  tension in the claustrophobic atmosphere of a small office on the eve of the PM’s speech.

There is a great scene at the start of Act 2 when we meet his divorced wife, Liz, an investigative journalist.   We laugh as she struggles to get through to room service in her hotel via one of those irritating phones that play music in between dialling options.

She has got wind of a scandal that could bring down the Government.   Mary Ellis plays her plausibly giving the impression that she wants to avenge her husband by publicising it.

The two meet up and Eddie uses his wily ways to prevent the scandal getting out.

It all happens because of a leak by George, a bumbling life peer.   Nomads veteran Terry Hollinshead puts over his character so well, you believe such people really exist.

In the meantime, Eddie and Howard Bramwell’s Paul are attempting to cook up a speech to end all speeches.   They even import Simon, a naff gag-writer (Adam Garnett), to add some humour (or not!) to it.

Although it begins a little slowly, the play gathers pace to become one of the funniest productions I have seen in a long time.   It seems to tickle not only my fancy but the packed audience’s too.

Ceri Graves whose sound effects of crowds, telephones, fire alarms and applause are  true to life, deserves mention.

Well done director, David Black for casting it so well and promoting the talents of the performers.

• At The Clubhouse, Friars Road, Sale until November 2.   For tickets contact 0161 969 5140 or email  tickets@salenomads.org.uk.
Star rating: * * * * *