The Constituent, Old Vic review — James Corden stars in a riveting and timely political drama

Talk about topical. The Old Vic must have known The Constituent would be timely when they programmed it, but at that point the odds of Joe Penhall’s riveting new political drama opening just a week before polling day were — well, perhaps best not to talk in betting terms right now . . .

But here it is, landing onstage just as the mudslinging scandals of a grisly election campaign reach their height. More saliently still, Penhall’s play — which stars James Corden as a distraught constituent — reminds us that politicians are human beings and that they conduct their work in an increasingly hostile environment. Towards the end of the play, Anna Maxwell Martin’s MP cries out in despair, “Who the fuck would go into politics now?” It’s a sobering question.

As with Penhall’s successful Blue/Orange, about mental health, the play is a three-hander, playing out in tightly constricted space — in this case a local constituency office — with the unflinching pace of a boxing match. It’s less subtle than the earlier play, wearing its discussion points obviously in places while needing longer on the issues it raises. But it is still gripping, comic and, ultimately, moving. Penhall combines an intelligent exploration of the limits of agency with a stark assessment of the frayed social contract in today’s fractious Britain.

It begins with a light touch. Corden’s Alec fiddles around with a new security system he’s installing while delivering a stream of blokeish banter with typical flair. But already the issues are lurking in the shadows: he talks of safety; Maxwell Martin’s Monica, on a phone-call to her husband, recommends “de-escalating” a tricky situation. Alec, an ex-soldier who served in Afghanistan, is volatile and troubled and is soon badgering her to intercede in his custody fight. Her instinct is to help him; the advice of the police officer, who brings her a stab vest, is to close down contact. When her office is attacked, things turn critical.

Matthew Warchus’s tense, focused production plays out on a narrow set (by Rob Howell), with the audience either side, emphasising both our involvement and, for those in public office, that there is nowhere to hide. Corden and Maxwell Martin are excellent: he starts all bounce and bluster, she all quiet reserve, but they deepen into more complex characters. Zachary Hart, as DC Mellor, has less to work with, but he is funny while representing a widespread, blunter attitude to problem-solving.

This is a play about what it means to serve. The three characters are all public servants. All three have faced tough problems and ethical dilemmas. Alec is struggling with the aftermath of witnessing unspeakable violence, Monica with the wrath of an angry electorate who feel let down. In a year when, amid division and rancour, many go to the polls, Penhall’s play makes the case for more care and empathy. He reminds us of the other meaning of constituent — “to be part of a whole”.

★★★★☆

To August 10, oldvictheatre.com