The New Statesman

B'Stard still stands up to his legacy

Article by Dave Kerr | 15 Jul 2006

Picture the scene: Blair's been kidnapped, Brown's been caught covered in chocolate with his pants down, the BBC are alleged to be housing a WMD and the only hope for UK politics is the Machiavellian marvel residing at No. 9 Downing St - Mr Alan B'Stard.

With a reputation for the hilarious, the delirious and the downright crude, Rik Mayall and Team New Statesman 2006 deconstruct the trials and tribulations of the rabbit in the headlights that New Labour has become; charting the apparent betrayal of old school socialism and the covert adoption of imperialist tendency which masquerades as the Blair Government's enslavement to "the third way".

Welcomely lacking the dry sobriety of Bremner, Bird and Fortune, this scathing critique provides a satirical blend not often seen in skit comedy since the likes of The Day Today and indeed the original televised version of the BAFTA winning show from yesteryear. B'Stard stands up to his legacy 20 years on with this enjoyable performance.

 

The New Statesman, Edinburgh Playhouse, June 5 to June 10.