We take a look at what is being said about Proud Haddock’s production of Michael Healey’s political comedy.
Broadway World: *** “Overall the cast of three handle the demands of the play pretty well, with Samantha Coughlan and Ian Porter doing a good job of switching between a variety of supporting characters from scene to scene – a highlight is Coughlan’s characterisation of a young Stephen Harper, even if that sequence does drag a bit (and overuses the word “hegemony”). Joseph May is excellent as Joe Clark, showing the human being behind the politician and demonstrating some expert comic timing.”
West End Best Friend: *** “More than an entertaining history lesson, 1979 is an incisive exploration of politics, business, diplomacy, and ambition. You’ll never believe you could be so interested in Canadian politics.”
The Arts Desk: **** “As is so often the case, the Finborough Theatre has turned up a gem, a funny, clever and illuminating production, exactly what fringe theatre should be. Not only that, it fizzes for 80 minutes and no more, saying what it wants to say and leaving us to draw our own conclusions. Canada is in great danger of losing its reputation for being boring, not to mention decent – and I could hardly be more pleased! “
London Theatre1: *** “In fact, this 80-minute play feels more like a political science lecture than a piece of theatre, especially as the director, Jimmy Walters, has detailed background information almost continuously displayed on a screen at the back of the stage like a “PowerPoint”! This is information overload and distracting – even if it is necessary, as only students of Canadian politics are likely to know (or care?) much of what we are bombarded with. Walters attempts to direct the piece with great energy and pace as well as trying to give the different duologues variety, but all the time is hampered by the pedestrian nature of the writing.”
The Stage: ** “European premiere of Michael Healey’s stilted 2017 political character sketch lacks clarity and dramatic drive.”
Londonpubtheatres.com: ” It’s a witty, literate script, too, if perhaps a little lost at times in the detail of fairly obscure policy developments of near-50 years ago, and the overarching message that nice guys come last in politics is both clear and not over-hammered home. Porter’s smoothly smarmy Trudeau is a pleasure, and Coughlan’s excellent throughout, but particularly as Clark’s wife and as the young Stephen Harper. And May, wide-eyed and smiling even as he’s hit by the juggernauts of crushing defeat and consignment to the dustbin of history, give the play both a thoroughly solid base and a sense of what might have been.”
Fairypowered Productions: *** “Michael Healy’s 1979 is a captivating play that delves into the political landscape of Canada during the tenure of Prime Minister Joe Clark. Through its talky narrative and energetic performances, the play sheds light on the challenges and triumphs faced by Clark during his brief time in office.”
The Reviews Hub: *** “1979 has lots to say and has some thoughtful philosophical reflections on the nature of leadership, policy making and the political game, but a longer piece perhaps with multi-character scenes might bring some of that heavy exposition into the story and show us why Clark and 1979 are so vital to Canada’s political experience since.”
British Theatre Guide: “The potential situation comedy is flawed by a lack of both comedy and a definable situation. We never get beyond the slight comic caricature of characters, which undermines the play’s believability. Not that there is much within the play to believe in.”
Fringe Review.co.uk: “It’s a great wrong-way telescope on British politics and its influence. It’s compelling, unsettling and a thrilling finish too interrupted only by Porter’s anxious Jenni Byrne. There’s a 2008 postlude.”
All That Dazzles: *** “Healey’s writing is a joy to behold, full of wit and flair, and doing a good job of captivating attention consistently. A prolonged and impassioned speech from a young future Prime Minister Stephen Harper does prove a bit more inconsistent with its high points failing to maintain throughout the entire scene. The play does veer off slightly towards the end – though still highly enjoyable, there is the sense it peaks too soon.”
1979 continues to play at the Finborough Theatre until the 27th January 2024.