Review: Drop the Dead Donkey – The Reawakening! (Touring)

Tuesday, 9th April 2024 at Leeds Grand Theatre.

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Reviewer: Kirsty M

Drop the Dead Donkey, the award-winning 1990s satirical comedy has been reimagined for a 2024 audience in the stage play  Drop the Dead Donkey: The Reawakening! Old enough to remember the original show, I went with my Gen Z daughter, unsure whether the play would offer enough appeal to a cynical teenager.  It doesn’t disappoint.

Written by the same creators of the original Channel 4 programme, Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin, it reunites most of the original cast members, picking up the lives of the characters 30 years on from the launch of the iconic TV series.  With direction from Derek Bond, it feels like a reunion of old friends, and I’m happy to say the characters haven’t changed a bit. Original members Robert Duncan (Gus), Neil Pearson (Dave), Stephen Tompkinson (Damien), Jeff Rawle (George), Ingrid Lacey (Helen), Victoria Wicks (Sally Smedley) and Susannah Doyle (Joy) are joined by Kerena Jagpal (Rita) and Julia Hills (Mairead) to launch a new TV news channel, ironically called Truth News. 

Truth News is backed by shady investors, and as it is most interested in sensationalism and media ratings, it is no surprise that the launch does not go to plan.  Set in a high-tech modern news studio, (designed brilliantly by Peter McKintosh) the play opens nostalgically with clips from the original series, displayed on a screen above the stage. The screen is also used to good effect to present the public’s social media reactions to the disastrous launch. A launch which sees a national treasure’s reputation thoroughly tarnished and a well-loved newsreader harmed live on air. 

With dialogue updated to reflect the latest news stories including the Post Office scandal, the upcoming election and Prince Andrew, there are many laugh-out loud moments. But the play also explores the serious issues around the ethics of media manipulation and the pressures of ratings-driven journalism. It is ultimately a timely reminder that proper journalism and media integrity matter.

Overall, the talented cast and the clever writing provide a thought-provoking and humorous evening’s entertainment, regardless of whether you have seen the original series or not.

Drop the Dead Donkey: The Reawakening! is at Leeds Grand Theatre until April 13th 2024 – more information and tickets can be found here. The show then continues to tour until June 2024.