The Gang of Three at King’s Head Theatre Review
Written by Bronagh for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Content warnings: Strong language
The audience files into the King’s Head Theatre, which has been transformed into an office space. We admire a huge bookcase full to the brim, an important looking desk and a sturdy sofa as we find ourselves transported back to the 1970s where we meet Tony Crosland, Roy Jenkins and Denis Healey – not a woman in sight - and introduced to the murky world of politics, where no one is truly on your side.
The Gang of Three is a 90-minute-long show, split into five scenes. The lighting and pulsing music signal the change of scene, as designed by Jamie Platt and Dominic Brennan, respectively. We see Crosland (Alan Cox), Jenkins (Hywel Morgan) and Healey (Colin Tierney) attempt to take power, which, despite their best efforts, never quite comes to fruition.
Robert Khan and Tom Salinsky’s script shows exactly why they are experts when it comes to political satire, having already delighted audiences with the likes of Brexit. Lines can be cutting yet very witty at times, usually at the expense of one of the ‘gang’, showing the ‘pally connections’ between the three of them. A particular favourite of mine was the comment on bringing their own wine due to not trusting the host on their wine choices, the initial confusion, then the realisation, a joy to watch. Some lines could be used in shows about the politics of today, all too familiar situations at hand at times. The 90 minutes do tick by nicely, greatly helped by the dialogue, although I do feel like an interval could have been squeezed in at the midway point without losing any momentum.
Our three leading men put on a very powerful performance, and I felt like I was looking through a peephole at action conversations between politicians. The three bounce off each other and are enjoyable to watch. They all capture the coolness and charm that, even if we don’t want to admit it, many politicians are actually capable of. Through the scenes, one character breaks the fourth wall, whilst the other is frozen, pouring a drink or perhaps mid-conversation, including us as audience members in their thoughts. Through this, we see how loyalties alter depending on what year we are in and what is on the agenda, personally and politically.
One scene that I do think could have been cut was the one between Crosland and Jekins, alluding to a sexual relationship. It is understood that the two did have a relationship in their younger years, however, I felt like this scene didn’t fit the vibe of the show overall and didn’t particularly slot in with the other scenes.
The Gang of Three is an impressive addition to the King Head Theatre’s repertoire, clearly a hit judging by audience reactions throughout and the buzz afterwards. Politics nowadays leave many of us, I’m sure, wanting to hold our heads in our hands and wait it out. The Gang of Three, however, provided some light relief and some silliness – a much preferred alternative to head in hands!
At the King’s Head Theatre until 1st June 2025.
★★★★
