REVIEW OF I’M SORRY PRIME MINISTER BY LYNN CARROLL

July 22, 2026

I am familiar with, though was not a regular viewer of, ‘Yes, Minister’ and therefore feel a little out of my depth when it comes to writing anything profound or clever about this play. However, it was clever if not profound as everything was easily understood being a reflection probably, of what we all think of politics and politicians, unless of course you are one.

My first impression was of how nice the set was and as the whole play took place in one room there was no need for all the shuffling around and prop changes one often gets with stage plays. A homely sitting room with a glimpse of kitchen to the right and a corridor to the left which led to a downstairs toilet this did have a part to play as our elderly semi-retired but ex ministers were no longer in the first flush of youth, if they ever were. In fact the opening scene finds Jim Hacker, his days of high office well in the past, interviewing Sophie, a care worker who is ably played by Princess Donnough throughout. She is on stage for almost the entirety of the show which probably would not be the case were this real life, but we can let that go as what is a play if not to use our imagination and make believe to get the story told.

This was a play with just four actors, often on stage together, but the only one I was familiar with was Clive Francis. He had two long humorous speeches which went down very well with the audience and each mini monologue ended with a round of applause. The dialogue was surprisingly up to date with subjects delicately handled, especially considering that Sophie was probably three generations apart from the attitudes held by older folk, whether on stage or in everyday life. Her line telling them that ‘if you are offended by words, then by definition they are offensive’ I must admit had me a little hot under the collar.

The subjects of ministers pay, immigration, corruption and dishonesty were all handled with humour and I found nothing to complain about, but those under twenty-five might do if they have a very rigid mindset. But humour was definitely the key to its success, just as it was when the very popular TV series was on our screens from 1980 to 1984 with the title of ‘Yes, Minister’ and was back for another run in 1986 as ‘Yes, Prime Minister’. Raising two boisterous boys at that time precluded me from watching it then, but after seeing this play I am set upon finding a viewing platform to watch them properly, as even I know it was satire at its very best, a rare commodity these days.

I personally am very much into politics but even if it is not your bag you will find this play amusing at the very least and well worth your time, but be careful, if you are under fifty you may find yourself searching for the TV series when you get home, it is just as apt today as it ever was. And if you are over fifty then a trip down memory lane might be just the tonic you need to offset political exhaustion.