As a journalism student, I see stories everywhere. I’m always searching for the next best thing and draw upon a multitude of sources. That is why I was so excited to hear about the new stage production at the Alexandra Theatre Birmingham of Drop the Dead Donkey. This is a revamped revival of the TV classic, offering a fresh perspective on the world of news.
Drop the Dead Donkey was a Channel 4 British television sitcom, first shown between 1990 and 1998. Now, 30 years after the launch of the trailblazing, smash-hit TV series, the Globe Link News team have returned, live on stage for the very first time.
This production stars the original cast members Robert Duncan (Gus) as the former boss of GlobeLink news, Neil Pearson (Dave) as deputy editor, Stephen Tompkinson (Damien) as a reporter now newsreader, Jeff Rawle (George) as editor, Ingrid Lacey (Helen) as assistant editor, Victoria Wicks (Sally Smedley) as a newsreader and Susannah Doyle (Joy) as a HR specialist are joined by Kerena Jagpal (Rita) as a weathergirl and Julia Hills (Mairead) as an investigative journalist. As I didn’t see the original TV show I am glad to know that I will be able to watch the original members in this iconic BAFTA and EMMY award-winning comedy, reimagined in this brand-new topical commentary on the cutthroat world of 24-hour news.
Drop the Dead Donkey: The Reawakening! is written by the same award-winning writing team Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin (Outnumbered). This hot-off-the-press production will leave you in stitches, exposing the underside of the broadcasting industry in all its riotous glory. I have yet to experience the industry in full force, but as a data journalism student, I can say that it is proving to be a challenging industry.
As well as the talented cast and witty writing, the stage production features an impressive set design courtesy of Peter McKintosh. The technical effects bring the newsroom to life, lifting it for the stage. The clever use of multimedia components such as video screens and sound effects adds to the immersivity of the piece.
The production feels relevant and timely, reflecting on current new stories including the upcoming election, Prince Andrew, and the Post office scandal. The play also explores more serious issues on the ethical conundrum of media manipulation and the intense pressures of ratings-driven journalism. For me, these are issues discussed frequently in our classes as well as the issue of AI. This show is a reminder that proper journalism and integrity of the media matters, now more than ever.
So, whether you are one of the legions of die-hard fans of the TV sitcom that was watched by millions at its peak, or a British comedy fanatic, come and experience this hilarious revival of an all-time comedy classic.
Drop The Dead Donkey is on at Alexandra Theatre Birmingham until Saturday 20th April 2024. Tickets are available at the following link https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/drop-the-dead-donkey/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham/
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