David Hare's new play about political fundraising has certainly been making headlines. Entry Pass reviewers Gabrielle Schwarz and Benjamin Potter went to check it out.

David Hare's new play Gethsemane is intensely enjoyable and full of well-acted, intriguing characters.

Each very different character has opportunity to share their often philosophical views in soliloquies spoken to the audience. However, Hare's voice is always strongly present; despite their differences everyone appears to share a similar opinion on the hopelessness of their government. As Monique recognises that her job is to identify possible traps and then watch her boss the Home Secretary fall into them, party fundraiser Otto Fallon is unnervingly open about the methods he uses to attract donors. This witty cynicism and the ironic humour of full-time assistant and part-time food connoisseur Frank lay bare the shortcomings of the Labour party in a thorough and entertaining fashion. The characters do often verge on stereotypical, with a rebellious teenager and an angelic teacher, but the wonderfully extravagant Prime Minister with his drum kit, state of the art gym equipment and fantastic green shoes perfectly demonstrates the underlying irony. The entire production is pristinely polished; every scene comes with a new set of slick props, while scene transitions and character monologues are set against a projected backdrop of chaotic London. These elements add to the argumentative and politically charged atmosphere.

As a political play, Gethsemane is an interesting commentary on the current confusing state of government in which money, the media, private life and politics are all inextricably intertwined. However, although the settings and scenarios are markedly familiar, this play is named after a story in the Bible which is hundreds of years old it also explores the universal themes of doubt and hope, making this Gethsemane a play which gives everybody something to think about.

Gabrielle Schwarz

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David hare's latest creation Gethsemane currently at the Cottesloe Theatre tells the tale of political corruption and party fund raising methods. It gives the audience a direct and rash insight into politics and particularly political corruption. Gethsemane? I thought it meant deception and betrayal, but David Hare's play portrays this term as an act of doubt. Doubting a situation but still going on with it, as each character has their Gethsemane at some point during the play.

The play started with a blank canvas and suddenly projections of London today appeared on the walls with fast moving music adding to the tense and awaiting atmosphere, this perfect beginning and well constructed set which was used to great effect through out the play is the marvelous creation of Bob Crowley, set designer. Then, we were introduced to several corrupted and troubled political characters and business icons, however not until the second half did things really start to pick up.

The journalist in the play, Geoff Benzine played by Adam James, showed the ways in which the press is so demoralized through the corruption and scandal that was being reported. Another character that stood out was, Otto Fallon played by the mesmerizing Stanley Townsend, the businessman involved in the scandal which could be described as ‘cash for honours'.  In particular the role of young Suzette Guest played by Jessica Raine was perfectly executed and gave the play a real edge as the character was so open about the situations surrounding England and her mother's role in protecting and serving the country. In addition,  the mother and daughter relationship between Suzette and Meredith Guest, played by Tamsin Greig, was realistic and both emotionally powerful through out the story. Hats off to David Hare and a bold and strong cast!

Benjamin Potter