The connection with King Arthur and his round table of chivalrous knights is perfunctory in Lewis Davies’ new play. Rather it is a satirical take on the charismatic president of a modern state, his powerful spin doctor and the first minister, who becomes involved with the leader’s wife.
There are echoes of New Labour’s election victories, manipulation of the media, briefing and counter-briefing, idealism giving way to pragmatism and involvement in foreign affairs at the expense of problems at home. Sound familiar?
On the whole it is cosy and amusing rather than cutting edge stuff. Director Chris Morgan unfolds the story for the most part in crisp and assured style, though lack of urgency between scenes drops the tension, particularly when the cast of four assume other roles. Disappointingly, the second half does not live up to the promise of the first and the climax, such as it is, proves decidedly limp.
As the leader who has gained power on a wave of popularity, Ceris Jones gives a well-rounded portrayal of the articulate and image-conscious Arthur Lloyd, earnestly laying out his vision of the future while carefully avoiding suggestions of a Dead Ringers’ caricature. Emyr John, as the ambitious master of spin Morgan Carter, never overplays his deviousness, while his cameo of smarmy TV chat show host, discomfiting the president’s wife Gwen in an unrehearsed duet, is quite delightful.
Solid support is provided by Morgan Rhys as the almost too good to be a politician Lawrence D’lac, who, to his surprise, finds himself not only first minister but also falling in love with his admired chief’s wife, well played by Alison John.
The simple but effective setting is by Blaanid Maddrell, with musical direction by James Williams and lighting by Simon Gough.
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