Couldn't really get a much bigger contrast for my weekly theatre visits between these two plays.
Yes Prime Minister is pure entertainment. For those of us of a certain age you have to get past the fact that the main protagonists are not being played by Paul Eddington and Nigel Hawthorne, both sadly now deceased. But once you have adapted to that the stage version of this long-running TV series is very enjoyable. A good plot, more convoluted than could be managed in the short TV sitcom framework, and well played. And just gently brought up to date with the advent of climate change to satirise, without losing the old targets of short term political gains and civil servants trying to protect their own interests at all costs.
Journey's End is by contrast no laughing matter. Set in the trenches of the First World War a young 21 year old captain is old beyond his years after 3 years at the front. He is confronted by his new eager young officer of 18 fresh from school. Only 3 years earlier they had been at the same school and the captain was captain not of a company of soldiers but the rugby and cricket teams, much to the admiration of his younger friend. Seeing what 3 years at the front does to his character is part of the theme of he play. As is cowardice (or rather logical self-preservation) and heroism (cowardice by those able to hide their terror). Its all stiff upper lip stuff and burying their love for one another, whereas a modern version would no doubt be all group hugs before going over the top.
And just in case you are looking for a happy ending, everyone dies. As we left the ladies behind us were weeping into their hands. It was that sort of play. But very thought-provoking and sometimes its quite good to be put through the emotional wringer. Cathartic.
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