WHOEVER thought politics could be so funny and so compelling?

James Graham’s witty and engrossing political drama gives a fascinating insight into how the cogs turn behind the scenes in Parliament and the playground antics of those we elect to govern us.

The year is 1974. Edward Heath is no longer leading Britain and the Labour Party under Harold Wilson has formed a minority government.

This House, which was a joy to watch at Bath’s Theatre Royal, focuses specifically on whips, the officials of a political party appointed to keep its members on side, especially when it comes to attendance and debates.

It is very much like a rollercoaster. You are on the edge of your seat, you endure all the ups and downs and sometimes it can be a bit too much to stomach.

A nice interlude between scenes was the odd song and dance and music from that time, played live on stage during the play.

Better still, some audience members paid for tickets where they could actually sit on the stage.

And they, and us regulars in the audience, get to see the fist fights that break out in the parliamentary bars, the backstabbing and the childish squabbles.

Maddest of all is when MPs, who have been in hospital or are at death’s door are wheeled through the lobby to register their crucial votes as the government teeters on a knife edge.

I would recommend this to anyone, because it makes a very heavy topic, so thoroughly enjoyable and digestible. It did tour the West End after all.

The only criticism I have of the play is when one of the cast says, “Tell me a joke,” and another actor says, “Leeds United.”

One, that is cruel and two, it is not entirely accurate.

Yes Don Revie had departed and Brian Clough had left after just 44 days, but we still got to the final of the 1974–75 European Cup, so take that back you meanies!

RICHARD MILLS