London: Dom - the Play

Dom - the Play poster

Dom - the Play, at White Bear Theatre

Dom is a fast-moving, sharp comedy about the most controversial figure to emerge in UK politics in the past decade - Dominic Cummings. Was he a creative visionary or a danger to democracy?

Cummings (played by Chris Porter) takes to the stage to give us his views and versions of events, shining light on Brexit referendum tactics (including that bus), his trip to Barnard Castle, Covid and being Boris Johnson's adviser. He's outspoken, very confident and takes no prisoners.

Neil Green's tight script, based on political memoirs and historical research, races along, with never a wasted word nor a dull moment. The audience were laughing throughout.

Energy sparks between Cummings and Johnson, as Cummings struggles to manage the narcissistic and chaotic prime minister. Anyone who has seen Boris Johnson close up in real life (which I have) will find his portrayal uncanny.

Cummings is frequently and furiously frustrated, whether this is over civil service, kowtowing to Marcus Rashford over free school meals or, especially, at Carrie's constant interference.

Cummings' enemies and others appearing include David Cameron, Nigel Farage, Nicola Sturgeon, Tony Blair, Prince Andrew, Richard Branson, John Prescott, Angela Merkel, the Queen, Meghan Markle, Carrie Johnson, people at the Guardian - and even a dancing Theresa May. These parts and more characters are played by Sarah Lawrie and James Groom, who swiftly and convincingly switch posture and accents.

While it is a comedy, the play does not sidestep sensitive issues. Nor it is a one-sided tirade - remain voters accosting Cummings are weak and aggressively self-righteous.

I was not surprised to hear that this sharp satire is nearly sold out. Get a ticket while you can.

Director and producer: Michael Kingsbury. Lighting designer: Chuma Emembolu. Stage manager and tech operator: Jaymie Quinn-Stewart.

Dom - the Play is at the White Bear Theatre, 138 Kennington Park Road, London SE11 4DJ, until Saturday 30 July.
Tickets are £16/£12

See: www.whitebeartheatre.co.uk/whatson/DOM-%E2%80%93-the-play