Home » Culture » Event

Whipping It Up at the Everyman

Event ended

For one week only the West End hit comedy Whipping It Up will be performed at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham as part of a national autumn tour. And if the reviews the show has attracted in the capital city are anything to go by the comedy written by Steve Thompson and starring One Foot in the Grave’s television favourite Richard Wilson is not to be missed.

The political satire opens on Monday 17 September and sees the lead man as the chief whip in a razor-sharp play which explores the machinations of government, exposing the infamous workings of the whip’s office – all set in the precarious early days of a future David Cameron clinging to a tiny majority of three.

A week before Christmas and a seemingly straightforward piece of legislation takes on absurd political significance – and with the PM chummying up to the President in Washington, every trick is needed to keep the strays in line.

A long night ensues – with sexual blackmail, boy scouts and ramblers rioting in Whitehall, Tory rebels on the loose and the press and opposition sensing the distinct scent of panic – leaving all concerned wondering if this is this the beginning of a leadership challenge.

Steve Thompson won top awards for his first play Damages and now writes extensively for television. His meticulous research into the closely-guarded secret world of the whips has included input from Michael Portillo and Gyles Brandreth among others.

Event: Whipping It Up
Venue: Cheltenham Everyman Theatre
Date: Monday 17 to Saturday 22 September 2007
Times: Evening performances from Monday to Friday start at 7.45pm, while Saturday’s show starts at 8pm. The daytime matinee starts on Saturday starts at 2.30pm.
Tickets: Cost from £9 to £24. Call the Everyman box office on (01242) 572573 to book.

SoGlos.com
17 September 2007