Boris the Musical 2: Brexit Harder at King’s Head Theatre

If you’re a lover of satirical repartee and thrilling lampoonery, then this show will be right up your “Downing” street. With its astute, topical lyrics and surprisingly catchy songs, Boris the Musical 2: Brexit Harder is a hair-raising, golden strand of fringe theatre.

Currently located in the inviting and historic Kings Head Theatre, this riotous musical takes the audience from Mr Wiff Waff’s days at Eton to the current Tory leadership race, then imaginatively beyond.

Every member of this five-piece company is terrifically talented, portraying multiple characters effectively throughout. Heading the party is James Ringer-Beck, ideally cast as that power-hungry politician – aka “Boris, Lord of all” – displaying impressive range, particularly in Please, Call Me Boris. Ringer-Beck is very reminiscent of alt-comedy’s late great Rik Mayall (The New Statesman, The Young Ones).

Holding the shameless schemer together is a creepily bespectacled Govey – aka Michael Gove. The skilful way Polly Bycroft-Brown delivers this badger-culling conspirator and spreads the good news in We Beleave is simply marvellous. East 15 graduate Natasha Lanceley is absolutely fantastic as posh former PM Dave Cameron and current wannabe Jacob Rees Mogg, wearing fishnets and top hat for the hilarious Hard Brexit.

As well as being this show’s witty wizard of wordcraft, lyricist and actor Laurence Peacock gives us a few giggles as the foul Farage and a first-rate Jezza Corbyn doing grime in Free Stuff. Recently resigned prime minister Theresa May is hysterically portrayed in Woman of the People by director Kyle Williams; his ingenious use of key props, clever choreography within a limited space and a whole heap of imagination ensures this political mockery never feels lacking, from the opening bar to the final note.

Speaking of notes, composer and multi-instrumentalist Dominic Lo is magnificent, playing live. His character motifs are fitting and memorable, and his use of such a vast range of genres from gospel to grime is inspired.

As our present-day political system veers from chaos to pantomime and we’re only halfway through the year, there would appear to be plenty of prime material on offer to start a Boris the Musical franchise – and that would be a glorious plan, worth voting yes for.

Laura Jorden
Photo: Heather Isobel

Boris the Musical 2: Brexit Harder is at King’s Head Theatre from 29^th May until 8^th June 2019. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.

Watch the trailer for Boris the Musical 2: Brexit Harder here: