New political play The Constituent feels timely and urgent – review
There was a substantial amount of hype already for Joe Penhall’s new play The Constituent: it marks James Corden’s return to the London stage after more than a decade, his last role being a Tony-winning turn in One Man, Two Guvnors.
He plays the role of the titular constituent, Alec; opposite him is Anna Maxwell Martin (best known for Line of Duty) who plays Monica, the local MP.
The pair meet when Alec is installing some security equipment at Monica’s office, though we soon establish they went to primary school together.
They are joined on stage by Zachary Hart in the role of Mellor, a parliamentary protection officer. It feels like a timely, urgent production: the play was announced before the general election, but the political backdrop couldn’t be more fortuitous for a play like this.
