“Disgraceful!” screamed one shocked patron as the Spitting Image puppets performed “Putin on the Blitz.”
There had been a trigger warning.
“This show contains jokes, some of which are really naughty, and sensitive content including offensive language and content of a sexual nature. If you are ‘woke,’ likely to be offended, or American, please leave now.” Good advice.
The Spitting Image television series originally ran for 18 series between 1984 and 1996, and was watched by over 15 million viewers.
It recently made a popular return to TV on BritBox, and Spitting Image social media content has been hugely popular with over 200 million views, and three number one trending videos on YouTube.
This is their most shocking show yet. No taboo is too sensitive to be played with.
Vladimir Putin in Spitting Image The Musical – Idiots Assemble Spitting Image Saves the World – Live on Stage
From the late Queen playing an electric guitar, to a bare-chested Carrie Johnson threatening the audience, and a tap dancing Putin in between.
That trigger warning doesn’t begin to cover it.
The plot is almost as improbable as the last year of British politics.
A miniature Tom Cruise is tasked by the King to create a “Magnificent Seven,” a rag bag crew that somehow includes Megan Markle, Ru Paul and Angela Raynor.
Their mission is to save the nation from a cabal of dark forces led by Boris Johnson, Blofeld-like stroking his white cat, and Rishi Sunak in a head boy uniform.
Suella Braverman’s portrayal as a screaming banshee is particularly memorable.
Prince Harry watches from a box while endlessly trying to flog his book to the audience.
King Charles and Paddington – Idiots Assemble Spitting Image Saves the World – Live on Stage
It’s of course slightly odd watching giant puppets being expertly manipulated by an heroic team in caps and dark glasses. But you soon get used to it.
The writing by Al Murray and Matt Forde is excellent, as are the voice-over artists. Oliver Chris, Kathryn Drysdale, Jason Forbes, Luke Kempner, Lorna Laidlaw, Jackie Lam, Shri Patel, Jess Robinson, Debra Stephenson, and Ronan Summers.
The sheer professionalism and creativity of all involved confirms London’s unique role in world theatre.
The broad minded will love it.
https://www.thephoenixtheatre.co.uk/shows/idiots-assemble-spitting-image-the-musical
Picture: Meghan and Harry – Idiots Assemble Spitting Image Saves the World – Live on Stage – credit Mark Senior
Related Stories
Or, please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing: “A free country needs a free press, and the newspapers of our country are under significant financial pressure”.
So if you have enjoyed reading this story, and if you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can buy our newspaper or make a donation, which will allow us to continue to bring stories like this one to you both in print and online.
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Related Stories
https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/christopher-walker-reviews-idiots-assemble-spitting-image-the-musical/
