Writers: Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin
Director: Derek Bond
It may come as surprise that it’s just over 25 years since “GlobeLink News”, closed for business, hard to believe because it’s legacy is very much alive and well on our television screens with the numerous, news channel that litter our schedules, dishing out some dubious content, ( Talk TV’s growing concrete debate springs to mind).
GlobeLink News was of course the fictional TV news company right at the heart of the multi awarding and much loved, and groundbreaking Channel 4 sitcom Drop the Dead Donkey. Written by Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin the show has been revived for a new stage show featuring seven of the original cast members, and a few new faces for Drop the Dead Donkey: The Reawakening!
The action takes place at fledgling news outlet, “Truth News”, as slippery chief executive, Gus (Robert Duncan) has brought back the old gang to put Truth News on the map. There is the station editor, the luckless yet well meaning George Dent, (Jeff Rawle). Reformed gambler, womaniser and alcoholic reporter, Dave Charnley (Neil Pearson), who has now been demoted to office dog’s body. Then there is the ever dependable assistant editor Helen Cooper (Ingrid Lacey).
Also joining the frey is former production assistant now head of HR, the vindictive Joy Merryweather (Susannah Doyle), who doesn’t like anyone, especially Dave. Anchoring Truth News is the returning duo of Sally Smedley (Victoria Wicks), the former face of GlobeLink News, her right leaning and more controversial beliefs make her a perfect fit for the upstart station’s rather choice content. Her co-presenter is Damien Day (Stephen Tompkinson) a former roving reporter turned presenter, desperate to get back in the field, but struggling due to being confined to a wheelchair following an accident.
In addition there are a couple of new characters, Rita (Kerena Jagpal), an ambitious intern looking for her big break in television, brought in to present the weather. Finally there is special investigations reporter Mairead (Julia Hills) , an award winning journalist who isn’t being entirely truthful about her arrival at the upstart news outlet. It is not just Mairead that is causing the team concern. First is the algorithm that Gus constantly refers to which dictates the content, no matter how questionable or truthful it may be. Finally there is the question of who is backing the new network as there is no trace of the owners to be found anywhere.
When the stage show and tour was announced last spring it took a few people by surprise, but with hindsight it was perfect timing. With the continual rise in partisen news reporting from some media outlets and a decline in media standards writers Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin do a fantastic job of pulling apart all that is wrong with certain aspects of the media. The pair have included some great barbed gags about Prince Andrew, Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss, as well the current developing situation in Rochdale in regards to the Labour party. This felt very much like the TV program, where some sequences were filmed sometimes on the day of broadcast to fit in news stories from that day. I’m sure this will be a running theme throughout the tour and gives the production an edgy quality, in keeping with expectations of the show.
The heart of the show is the cast’s interplay, banter, and scathing one-liners, despite a few timing issues most of the jokes hit the mark. However, you just wish there were more of them.It’s refreshing to see the production walk the tightrope of what was acceptable back in the 90’s and what is acceptable now, as some characters clearly haven’t got to grips with the world around them.
It’s always difficult bringing a much-cherished love show back after such a long time away. Drop the Dead Donkey: The Reawakening! Strikes the balance of introducing these characters to a new audience, whilst not having it shoe-horned for fans of the show. The cast have done a remarkable job of breathing life into these much-beloved characters: the chemistry between them all whilst not perfect tonight, still shines through.
The tour will undoubtedly appeal to fans of the TV series, but those less familiar with the show should still seek it out as this is a fun, entertaining night out. The show proves there is still life in the donkey, you just wish it had a bite more bite with it as well.
Runs until 17th February 2024
The Reviews Hub Score
Still Packs a Punch
