Review: Yes, Prime Minster, The Garrick, Altrincham

IF you see Andrew Higson in the bar after Yes, Prime Minister buy him a drink. He certainly deserves one.

As Sir Humphrey Appleby he jumps through hoops verbally as the character hides behind a smokescreen of some very big words that give the distinct impression the top civil servant has swallowed a dictionary.

Sir Humphrey may have a skewed sense of morality but it's impossible not to warm to him, as he delights in keeping the PM in the dark.

The TV version was a classic, which meant Altrincham Garrick had a battle on its hands when it decided to put on the stage version.

But, this is a theatre company that has never shied away from challenges and thanks to some expert and astute direction fromAlan Rothwell, and a strong cast, they strike comedy gold here.

Garrick new boy Malcolm Cooper is perfect as the beleaguered Prime Minister JimHacker, a man who gives a whole new meaning to the phrase 'a lot on his plate'.

Malcolm manages to capture that 'rabbit caught in headlights' vulnerability that made the late Paul Eddington so watchable in the role on the small screen.

Then there's the script of course, some of the lines in Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn's script are so breathtakingly brilliant it makes you give thanks you own a pair of ears.

I also really liked Daniel Ferguson as the lovable Bernard, with his penchant for Latin quotations and endearing sense of bewilderment.

How does Jim and his aides solve a problem like a randy visiting dignitary with a raging libido? Pleasing him could mean the difference between and important deal collapsing and being struck.

Yes, Prime Minister certainly gets my vote. Great, grown up fun.

- Yes, Prime Minister is on at The Garrick Playhouse in Altrincham until Saturday. For tickets call the box office on 0161 928 1677.