Rock, opera, comedy and Tony Blair aren’t words that you would immediately associate with each other. But add in Harry Hill and suddenly it all makes sense. 

The big-collared, surreal comedian has once again teamed up with composer and lyricist Steve Brown – as they did for the X Factor parody musical ‘I Can’t Sing’, which had a short run at the London Palladium almost ten years ago – to write a bizarre and freakish journey through Blair’s personal and political life. 

The production blitzes through all the politicians you’d expect to meet from the nineties and noughties. Stereotypes of David Blunkett and his dog, Gordon Brown and of course Cherie Blair, to name but a few, leave no stone unturned for a satirical romp of a show.

There may not be tonnes of laugh-out-loud moments, and I’m not quite sure it ticks the box of a ‘rock opera’ as marketed, but it is a silly, entertaining (and, almost always, absurd) review of the life of Britain’s former Labour Prime Minister. Most of the songs aren’t exactly catchy but there are some gems of lyrics thrown in and Harry Hill’s book is obviously littered with gags to keep you smiling throughout.

Peter Rowe’s direction is slick and fast-paced. All of the cast are used well to form a multi-roling ensemble and their ability to  impersonate many different former celebrities is very impressive. Highlights include Tori Burgess’ manic Cherie Blair, Phil Sealey’s bumbling Gordon Brown and Martin Johnston’s hilarious David Blunkett which was beautifully pitched and had the audience in rare hysterics. There was even time for an almost show-stealing Mick Jagger cameo from William Hazell.

Mark Dymock’s sublime lighting and Libby Watson’s perfect set and costume design aided the production and it was lovely to see Tara Litvack’s three piece band clearly on show at the rear of the stage. A shame though that Francesca Jaynes’ choreography was a little basic and Richard Brooker’s sound design was far too ear-piercingly loud throughout. 

But this is Jack Whittle’s show. In the title and central role of Tony Blair, he mimics the politician to perfection and brings hapless energy and joy to the production. Beautiful vocals and impeccable comic timing, with flawless expressions and ironic glances to the audience from start to finish, it was a tour de force of a performance. I wish the same could be said of the whole production but it is a good evening out and silly, harmless fun. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️