With that premise writer Dave Armstrong has pulled back the rug to expose the underside of democracy and takes an adult-themed, PC swipe at the sporting, cultural, racial and religious values we all hold so dear. There is even a joke about Palmerston North.
Set in Wanaka, three representatives from each country meet to negotiate a new power pricing deal lead by the French prime minister played with Gallic charm and a large amount of buffoonery by Neil McCorkell. Clair Rochester as his energy minister brings the right amount of cultural arrogance to her role, along with some French chic.
David Berry as the conniving Maori minister dominates all scenes he is in with a blend of voice control and expressive movement. Peter Berry gives a great performance as the northern prime minister and his camp portrayal of the French energy minister is clever acting.
I could not imagine a political satire without a "smarmy wheeler dealer" and David Mitchell gives an understated performance in his portrayal of the leader of the FUCT party. Edina McFarland, as the "Le Femme Noir" who is expected to be the North's femme fatale, gives a performance she must be very proud of.
The cast, under the astute direction of Glen Pickering, contribute much to this play's success with their excellent timing, energy and momentum.
The set is suitably impressive along with some good controlled lighting and the sound is well handled and Karyn Glew as the wardrobe mistress has done a great job of contrasting the sartorial elegance of the two sides.
As the first 10 minutes of this hilarious comedy are spoken entirely in French it seems appropriate to finish with "cette comedie tres drole c'est a ne pas manquer".
