Drop the Dead Donkey

As a huge fan of Channel 4’s smash hit sitcom, Drop the Dead Donkey, I have been waiting eagerly for the tour to land at the Lowry. 30+ years since it hit the small screen, the majority of the Globelink News team are back, and live on stage for the first time: Chief Exec Gus Hedges (Robert Duncan), Editor George Dent (Jeff Rawle), Deputy Sub-editor Dave Charnley (Neil Pearson), Assistant Editor Helen Cooper (Ingrid Lacey), News Anchor Sally Smedley (Victoria Wicks), Reporter Damien Day (Stephen Tompkinson), and PA Joy Merryweather (Susannah Doyle).

Back in 1998, Globelink News broadcast for the final time. One by one the old team have been hired through a range of recruitment sources to launch a new channel: Truth News. New channel, old team, same chaos, backbiting and political incorrectness. The TV series was written and recorded close to transmission to ensure the latest news of the day could be referenced. The live theatre experience enables instant topicality, keeping the cast on their toes as news breaks. We had references to Rishi, Nadine, local MP Angela Rayner, and the Rochdale by-election scandal. One special guest had an electrifying time.

The characters may have aged over the decades, seen promotions and demotions in their new roles, but they still have the acid bite of their early years. Henry Davenport (played by the late David Swift) was fondly remembered by the reunited team. Original writers Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin have lost none of their talent for quick-witted, topical comedy, and visual comedy as George is continually upstaged by the fancy new coffee machine.

For fans of the original series, this is a nostalgic evening with long lost characters. For those new to Drop the Dead Donkey, The Reawakening holds its own as a classic British comedy - a riotous romp through today’s news and yesterday’s rib-tickling memories. 5 stars from Canal Street online.

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Tickets

Garry Thomas-Lowde for Canal St Media

Lyric Theatre, Lowry: Feb 13th – Feb 17th, 2024

Published: 14-Feb-2024 (7384)