Theatre Review: It’s The Economy, Stupid!, Tobacco Factory Theatres

Summary:

Rating: ★★★★★

Running Dates: Tuesday 17th September - Wednesday 18th September 2024 (Various nationwide dates up until 29th October)

Where to see it: Tobacco Factory Theatres (and various venues across the UK)

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (1 hour show, 20 minute Q&A, 10 minute interval)

Keywords: Politics, Humour, Reality

Review

The stage chemistry of the duo is infectious and Howells keeps Sellman-Leava's passionate rants in check as he works the set, exercising wit that fits brilliantly into the format.

I wasn't sure what to expect from 'It's the economy, stupid' but I anticipated seriousness scattered with humour, considering its recent success at the Edinburgh Fringe festival. While this was likely to be different to my normal theatre experience, I was looking forward to what was in store and I was not disappointed.

The title, 'It's the economy, stupid!', finds it's roots in the well-known phrase from the 90's. Coined by political consultant James Carville as a lead slogan for Bill Clinton's presidency campaign referring to the recession that lead to swathes of unemployment in the US. Now before you scroll away, I too find the economy an alienating world that seemingly speaks a different language…so you wouldn't be alone if you said you have some initial scepticism! However, I was captivated for the hour that Joe Sellman-Leava and Dylan Howells were on stage, storytelling and evoking emotions I was truly not expecting from a show about politics and money.

Sellman-Leava leads, taking us through parts of his childhood in the 1980's when his parents lose their business, their home, declare bankruptcy (to the tune of £150! Oh the irony) and move into a council house. The show weaves memories and first introductions to the concept of money, with policy decisions spanning the last 40 years. It showcases how decisions made by those in power translate to everyday people, not only at the time they were implemented but through to how they have shaped the society we are today.

I wasn't wrong to expect humour and thank goodness because the reality of where we find ourselves today is sobering to say the least. Bold and funny, this production is based on facts and real life events making this as educational as it is engaging and surprisingly emotional at times. Although, this is probably because it hits a few nerves along the way (lack of home ownership and a love for a takeaway coffee to name a few). Brilliant and passionate, the content is all too relatable for today's younger generations and just maybe you will leave feeling less alone…or at least realising the situation you find yourself in is probably less about how good at maths you are.

The stage chemistry of the duo is infectious and Howells keeps Sellman-Leava's passionate rants in check as he works the set, exercising wit that fits brilliantly into the format. Seemingly rudimentary at first, the set comprises of cardboard boxes and paper bags but soon becomes as much a part of the show as the stories themselves. A myriad of media and props are used including a top hat, fruit, a freddo and every millennials favourite, an iced latte. Perhaps most surprising of all you will find a little magic sprinkled throughout the show.

 It's refreshing to leave the theatre feeling empowered to learn, better informed and having laughed! It's a clever team that can pull that off considering how polarised we find ourselves to in the world of politics. Not only that, but the pair facilitated a thought provoking and intelligent discussion in the follow up Q&A. Sellman-Leave and Howells have clearly put a lot of hard work into researching the subject matter and presented well-constructed and informed responses to the challenging questions they were asked during the Q&A, while handling the crowd like professionals. Again making a subject that causes many to recoil, accessible and engaging.

Theatre, emotion, education, history and a little bit of magic all rolled into one, what more could you want? I encourage you to catch this before the tour ends in October!

Standout Quote or Moment: A moving section of the show where, without giving too much away we hear from people who have lived through financial difficulty and confirm that not only is life made from many things beside money but success can be defined in more ways than just how much you have in the bank.

See If: You want something a little bit different from the norm, is relatable and funny but gets you thinking.

Last Impression: Sobering, funny and empowering, a step in the right direction as knowledge is power!

To get tickets for the show click here

We were kindly gifted these tickets in exchange for a review.

Written by Bristol Girl