Review: Paratroopers, Lion and Unicorn Theatre

Lies. Corruption. Scandals. Voter fraud. Power struggles. All have seeped their way into headlines about British politicians over the past couple of years, and now into Paratroopers, an absurdist satire from writers Daniel Patten and Sol Alberman. 

Following the death of beloved MP Francis ‘Frankie’ Fletcher, two ambitious operatives within the Labour party battle it out to take over his seat. In the run-up to the General Election of 2024, Mackenzie Steele (Jack Medlin) and Connor Banks (Patten) fight to continue Frankie’s legacy, but what unfolds is a tale of deception that poses the question: how much choice do we actually have?

Connor is a snivelling posh boy who hasn’t quite mastered the art of persuasion or public speaking, yet somehow has managed to push himself into candidacy. On the other hand, Mackenzie is a well-spoken, passionate speaker who perfectly understands how to present the facade of a successful politician. As the two debate, Connor’s stupidity and Mackenzie’s arrogance create a comical back and forth of berating and embarrassing one another.  

The party members, (in this case the audience), gather at the North Cackby Community Arts Centre, located in a fictional Northern town. It’s interesting that neither of our two candidates has a Northern accent, despite being raised there. Southern twinges and a gross misunderstanding of issues pertinent to the local community imply that they’ve long since distanced themselves, having political ambitions beyond Cackby. Both actors superbly embody their roles, being infuriating to watch and immersing their audience in the political setting. These fictional MPs are overtly modelled on real-life MPs, humorously poking fun whilst examining issues with current political representatives. 

A minimalist set and prop design helps to focus attention on the action that unfolds, using the theatre layout to best advantage to make audience feel like we are indeed sat observing a political debate. Each character has his own Instagram page to promote his political efforts, aiding in world building and blurring the lines between reality and fiction. At points, the play is uncanny in its resemblance to real life people and events. It is clear that much thought has gone into every aspect of the production, and it certainly pays off. 

Whilst it is obvious that the writers are criticising the political landscape and pointing out the privilege and controversy that surrounds MPs, the production is at its best when it leans into absurdity and satire. Dance breaks, fights and medieval knights add moments of comedy that had the audience bellowing with laughter. Subtlety would be welcome in some parts of the writing and the production would benefit, at points, from taking itself less seriously and adding more absurdist, off-the-wall moments. 

Paratroopers offers a relevant and scathing examination of British politics through parody. The production is a feel-good barrel of laughs which never loses its grip on important issues.

Written by: Daniel Patten and Sol Alberman
Directed by: Callan Ridgewell
Produced by: Poppy Maxwell
Assistant Director: Elsa Pahl

Paratroopers has completed its run at the Lion and Unicorn, but is set to be at Edinburgh Fringe later this year.