National stereotypes, regional food, dances and songs plus political views make for an interesting evening at Cambridge Arts Theatre, says Lisa Clatworthy
After the last few years’ worth of general and local elections, by-elections and referendums, you’d be forgiven for throwing your hands up in the air and exclaiming enough, in the style of Brenda from Bristol perhaps. Instead go and see My Country; a work in progress. This 80-minute offering from the National Theatre brilliantly brings together the words of ordinary British folk with the speeches of Westminster’s political windbags. It’s all wonderfully woven together by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy and director Rufus Norris.
The words and views of people like us were gathered by a National Theatre team of interviewers following last year’s out result in the referendum. They’re read by the representatives of the UK – Caledonia, Cymru, Northern Ireland, the North East, the East Midlands and South West – with Britannia (beautifully played by Penny Layden; her David Cameron, complete with humming, and Boris Johnson are highlights) taking the party lines, speaking the political party leaders’ words.
Every theme, stereotype and rant you read, heard or thought you dreamt during the run-up to the election gets a mention. And it can get as heated and confusing as any online rant or broadcast debate did this time last year.
Don’t go expecting clarification or explanation of the referendum, Brexit (after all, Brexit means Brexit) or what happens now. My Country offers a snapshot of the many views and opinions of our nation, individuals from every background, ethnicity and education. It’ll make you think – and laugh out loud.
My Country; a work in progress is at Cambridge Arts Theatre until 17 June. Tickets are £18-£33.
www.cambridgeartstheatre.com
