REVIEW: The Last Days of Liz Truss? By Greg Wilkinson at White Bear Theatre 18 – 29 March 2025

‘A refreshing new angle on politics is always welcome’ ★★★★

Although the play is titled ‘the last days’, it is more of an exploration of Liz Truss’ life, her character and her journey into politics. It argues that she deserves more respect than she has been given. 

The play begins with Truss laying claim to her choice of name, telling her school teachers that she must be called ‘Elizabeth’ (her middle name) and not Mary (her first name). Choosing the name of our strongest female monarch’s and despising poor Mary Queen of Scots who was beheaded in 1583, having been found guilty of plotting to assassinate Queen Elizabeth, shows an early sense of purpose. 

Writer Greg Wilkinson takes us on a whistle stop tour of Truss’ education (excellent credentials), makes plain that she wasn’t born with a silver spoon in her mouth, and also shows her determined character.  Very human. She’s also revealed as someone with a penchant for karaoke, cue a few episodes of popular music chosen for maximum ironic impact. 

Sound and lighting, though sparse are used extremely well in this two act play. It all moves along at a brisk pace with excellent direction, never a dull moment, thanks to director Anthony Shrubsall. However, it is Emma Wilkinson Wright as Liz Truss, who scores very highly for her portrayal. Who cares if she is not exactly like Truss, she looks and sounds very plausible, with word perfect quick fire delivery.  Her singing voice is also in fine fettle and is a pleasing addition to the play. Wilkinson Wright is aided by Steve Nallon of Spitting Image as the voice of Margaret Thatcher (and others). These often add a note of humour which the audience clearly enjoy. 

That quote about a lettuce lasting longer than Liz Truss (49 days) features in the second act and brings much laughter, especially considering it is a gift for puns, Cos and Romaine to mention a few. It is very cruel. However, Truss points out that it is a very British sense of humour, not taking things seriously to the point of refusing to see the deeper truths. There follows a tirade about growth which Truss has championed, and how dismal life would get for everyone if Britain didn’t achieve growth. The next decade and the next becoming increasingly austere. 

White Bear theatre is certainly a venue where political plays thrive, they sit extremely well in this space.  A new angle on politics is always welcome, perhaps some might consider them to be brave, but it is refreshing to hear different perspectives, when the media at times trivialises events for the masses. It’s all too easy to lap up the jokes, but here there is some push back, which encourages deeper consideration. 

The Last Days of Liz Truss? By Greg Wilkinson at White Bear Theatre 18 – 29 March 2025

BOX OFFICE https://www.whitebeartheatre.co.uk/whatson/the-last-days-of-liz-truss 

Directed by Anthony Shrubsall

with Emma Wilkinson Wright as Liz Truss

and Steve Nallon of Spitting Image as the voice of Margaret Thatcher (and others)

Produced by Oxia Theatre.

Photo credit: Elliott Franks