The play, as the name implies, revolves around the politicians expense scandal and is written by two of the guys behind Mock The Week and Have I Got News For You, which I think is quite evident in some of the one-liners and quip remarks. Ben Miller's character, Robert Houston, is an MP and is desperate for a seat in parliament; so desperate he is willing to swap sides. His family - wife played by Nancy Carroll and son by James Musgrave, get caught up in the whole debacle as they face a visit from fellow politician Norman Cavendish played by Simon Shepherd, and have to hide all the things in their house that they have claimed for on expenses.
I'm not a great fan of farcical plays, and it's a wonder I found any enjoyment in this one at all given it was a farce times a farce times a farce times a farce... SO much farce. But there were a few subtle jokes in the script that felt more intelligent than the obvious, slapstick, door-slamming-mistaken-identity farce "classics" that made the evening bearable. Ben Miller's background in comedy made for some wonderful timing in the delivery of his lines and Nancy Carroll is respectable enough to find some reality in an otherwise unbelievable character.
There was too much screaming in despair for my liking and not enough build up but whether that was in the directing or the writing I'm not too sure. I'm glad I got to go and see it as I would never have chosen to watch it (or been able to afford to buy tickets) but it's not something I would particularly recommend to other theatre-goers. Not unless they're looking for some very simple humour. Oh, and Diana Vickers prancing around in almost no clothing; a great distraction from the distinct lack of acting ability. MEOW.
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