Wake up call

On a mild October evening a theatre above a London pub in Highgate is packed for Francis Beckett’s timely new play set just after the Briton’s First Party wins its first general election led by a charming, but incredibly slimy, leader.

Though now mainly known as an author for his plays and books Francis is remembered by many in the Unite FDA sector from his time at the National Union of Agricultural and Allied Workers as editor of The Landworker and Head of Communications, until the union merged with the TGWU.

Make England Great Again (MEGA) is Francis’s latest play, a satire set six days after Britons First’s Max Moore has been elected Prime Minister. It follows the country’s journey into a fascist dictatorship as the arrogant and authoritarian Moore begins to control the media and government through misinformation and the weaknesses of the UKs unwritten constitution.

Beckett’s play at first seems like an absurd comedy, but given the current state of Britain, with flags on lampposts and right wing rallies drawing thousands to the capital, it is also a warning.

King Charles III (Clive Greenwood) meets Briton’s First leader Max Moore (Silas Hawkins).

The increasingly darker elements are sometimes too near the mark to be funny as it becomes clear how fragile democracy in the UK is, and how easily power can be manipulated in the wrong hands, and the play quickly transforms into a more sober, but fascinating, piece as the audience realises the very real danger that the UK is in by the current rise of far right populists.

The stage setting is sparse – just a table and four chairs, but under Owain Rose’s direction, this allows the audience to concentrate on the dialogue and the acting of the fantastic cast.

Silas Hawkins is the self centred, and sadly all too believable, Max Moore, a Nigel Farage like character with casual misogyny, hidden hypocrisy and a pint at hand when the cameras are rolling. 

King Chalres III, played by Clive Greenwood, has regular meetings with his new Prime Minister that highlight the shortfalls of the UK’s uncodified constitution and how easily it can be bent to suit the will of extremists.

Samantha (Abi Haberfield)

Abi Haberfield as Samantha, Moore’s press officer and advisor, highlights the dangers of being a woman in the misogynistic world of right-wing politics, while Miranda Columns as Pam Jones, the leader of the opposition, is full of the frustrations of juggling her own parties internal politics and arguments while fighting the very real threat of an authoritarian opportunist on the make.

One of the highlights of the evening is Jones’ pre-election live broadcast to the nation, where she ditches the agreed script and delivers a passionate speech that attempts to shine a spotlight on the dangers of falling for the promises and lies of Britain First and offer hope as an alternative.  The audience was hanging on every word.

Pam Jones (Miranda Columns)

By contrast Moore’s victory address to the public reveals what they have really voted for as state and police powers are increased, dissenting voices disappeared and the country descends towards dictatorship.

As Frances said recently in a local paper, “Could it happen here, and now? You bet it could. Our unwritten constitution makes us more vulnerable than the US. Our first-past-the-post electoral system muddies the waters. Our national tolerance and sang froid has proved to be a myth.

“My play is about just how Britain could go the way of Trump’s USA and Orban’s Hungary – or even the dictatorships of the 1930s – and what would happen if we did.”

Frances Beckett (Writer) discusses a scene with Owain Rose (Director)

Ultimately Make England Great Again is an important wake up call. Francis Beckket has written a worrying, and entirely plausible, account of what can happen if the far right in this country is left unchallenged and allowed to take control.

Make England Great Again has just finished two weeks at Upstairs at The Gatehouse, but will be returning in the new year for a run at the OSO Arts Centre in Barnes. Francis has renamed the play “It Couldn’t Happen Here” for the south London performances, and tickets go on sale soon. 

Unite has launched its Unity over Division campaign in response to the rise of the far right in Britain and across Europe – find out more here. 

By Keith Hatch

Photos by Karen Hatch