Arthur Wing Pinero’s farce captures the tumultuous life of Sir Julian Twombley, whose family's debts threaten to tarnish his political standing, weaving humor with sharp social critique.
- Comedy
This stage adaptation is filled with moments of laughter, satire, and commentary about the British political and social elite during the late 19th century.
Pinero mordantly skewers the foibles, insecurities and fragility of the British upper-classes, illuminating the crippling social stigma of debt.
Yet, you can’t help but cheer her every putdown and mad dash to self-preservation. The satire is, charitably, broad, but this production is undeniably engaging.
It may be more than 130 years old but The Cabinet Minister has found new relevance in 2024 thanks to this fantastic adaptation.
Nancy Carroll’s asides are mercurial; her way with innuendo, hilarious.
Witnessing her spit out lines like 'I am drenched in duplicity!' is to see a sublime, peerless comedienne at work.
