| [Education For Tomorrow: No 102, 2009] Claim and Shame a new play by Francis Beckett, winner of the Ted Wragg Award 2009 for sustained contributions to educational journalism This excellent comedy is based on the recent MPs expenses scandal with a bit of the 'cash for honours' academy scandal thrown in. The play covers the entry into Parliament of Meg Jones and her exposure to the more sordid side of politics as an MP. The small, intimate theatre (where it was premiered) meant that the audience felt that they were fully involved in the intrigues as they unfolded. Beckett's words have a humour that is subtle and yet exactly hit the mark. The play demonstrates wonderfully how the world at Westminster sucks MPs in. The character of Julius Bradshaw, the slimy two-faced one who will say anything to further his own personal ambition and who has no scruples, is very well portrayed. He uses the apt phrase, ‘Flattery can never be too gross’. Another character we loved to hate was Sir Rick Lorimer. He is typical as to what they refer to, and are probably referred to by themselves, as masters of the universe. The whole of Parliament and indeed the Prime Minister's purpose, is to make the rich richer particularly people like Sir Rick. He explains that it is only by making the rich richer, the ‘wealth creators’, that the others can have anything. Of course Meg, with her initial high ideals but a certain naïveté, allows herself to become embroiled in what she sees as the way MPs progress, and soon gets caught out and is hung out to dry when the expenses scandal breaks. The audience was left in no doubt about who certain characters were based on, though some were a mixture which left us guessing which particular individuals it was out of all those who have been involved in the shenanigans in Parliament. Beckett uses comedy as a brilliant tool to expose the disgraceful manner in which many MPs have used the system to line their pockets and enjoy the high life at the taxpayers’ expense. Though we laughed we were made painfully aware of the tragedy that is much of our political system — corruption and self-seeking. Already recognised as a consummate journalist, Beckett as a playwright deserves to go far. Go and see it, if it comes to a theatre near you. Jean Roberts |