REVIEW: TONY! (The Tony Blair Rock Opera) UK TOUR
REVIEW: TONY! (The Tony Blair Rock Opera) UK TOUR
‘A Silly, Exceptional Musical Comedy’
★★★★★
It appears a musical there is a musical about everything these days but surprisingly this musical about a controversial British political figure is a success. TONY! (The Tony Blair Rock Opera) is a delightful musical comedy. This show expertly blends political satire with well-written catchy songs and a likeable score. On a UK tour, TONY! is at the Birmingham Rep until Saturday 10th June!
With a book by Harry Hill, his humour is dominant and brought to life by the sensational cast – most of which play multiple roles. TONY! is undoubtedly an improvement from Hill’s last endeavour at a musical (not mentioning any names). Collaborating with Steve Brown for the music & lyrics, the duo took this bonkers idea and have made a musical that is hilarious from start to finish, but also filled with underlying messages. For those who question why this is a ‘rock opera’, it’s due to Blair once wanting to be a rock star, inspired by the likes of Mick Jagger in his teens.
Jack Whittle as Tony Blair brings charisma to the stage and a ton of humour to the role. Whittle captures Blair’s mannerisms, perfectly exaggerating them to create a brilliant, eccentric caricature of the former prime minister. Tori Burgess plays Cherie Blair excellently as Tony’s wife. The duo instantly form funny and electric chemistry, enhanced by the song ‘She’s a Lady / He’s My Baby’.
Howard Samuels stole the show too, playing three characters: Peter Mandelson, Dick Cheney & Alastair Campbell. His spot-on comedic timing and physical comedy made him one of the show’s highlights. When Samuels broke the fourth wall, it infused the audience with laughter even further. Also, Phil Sealey showed exceptional characterisation as Gordon Brown, eagerly waiting to take over as Labour leader throughout.
Expect to see multiple prominent figures from the 90s make an appearance, including Neil Kinnock (Martin Johnston), Robin Cook (Sally Cheng), John Prescott (Rosie Strobel) and Princess Diana (Emma Jay Thomas). Not forgetting George W. Bush, Osama Bin Laden, Saddam Hussein and more! The whole cast brings their A-game in this slightly brutal reappraisal of Tony Blair.
Directed by Peter Rowe, this musical is cleverly structured with strong pacing throughout. Act 1 focuses on Blair’s rise to power and his successes, while Act 2 shows the downfall of the most successful Labour leader. The set is sensibly minimalist and simple, with a giant neon TONY! sign shadowing over the stage for the duration of the musical. TONY! offers a refreshing watch and is a welcome, but non-conventional, addition to the world of musical theatre.
TONY! (The Tony Blair Rock Opera) at the Birmingham Rep until Sat 10th June & currently touring the UK – book now!
Click here to see when TONY! arrives at a theatre near you.
- Age Recommendation: 14+
- Duration: 2 hours and 10 minutes (including an interval)
