Thirty years ago the first episode of Yes, Minister was broadcast and went on to become television’s most successful political comedy ever. It and the equally successful sequel, Yes, Prime Minister, captured a niche in the political consciousness of the nation.

The original writers of these classic series have reunited for this anniversary production and now the Prime Minister Jim Hacker, his Cabinet Secretary Sir Humphrey Appleby and his Principal Private Secretary Bernard Woolley are all back, in a brand new play.

The world, of course, has turned meanwhile. Spin has become an art form and the BlackBerry is the must-have accessory. Dossiers have been ‘sexed up’, the ‘special relationship’ put to the test and countless MPs have stood down to ’spend more time with their families’.

But great institutions have a way of riding punches and bouncing back unscathed for the next round.

Will it prove so for Jim Hacker and his coterie of close advisors? Especially with the country on the brink of financial meltdown and the Government’s only apparent salvation coming from an unlikely quarter – a morally dubious deal with the Foreign Minister of Kumranistan.

Dates
Previews from 17th September 2010

Audience: Yes, Prime Minister is suitable for audiences aged 10 and upwards

Run time: Two hours and 20 minutes with one interval

Show Times