Drop The Dead Donkey The Reawakening - The Lowry

THE writing of creators Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin, full of humour and topical bite and perfect casting, made Drop The Dead Donkey one of the greatest TV comedies ever made.

It’s 25 years since this multi-award winning show last graced the small screen so, as a member of the leave them wanting more club, I was somewhat surprised when I discovered a new stage version was planned for 2024.

But the good news is The Reawakening is just as hilarious, cutting and irreverent as the original even if the laugh out loud bits don’t come quite so rapidly in this new incarnation. However, if like me, you enjoy a dose of establishment baiting, you’re sure to enjoy this.

We meet former Globe Link colleagues George, hilariously upstaged by a self service coffee machine at the start, Gus, Helen, Dave, Damien, Sally and Joy as they begin work at the fledgling Truth News.

In this hi-tech world 24 hour news is king.

Damien - a great vehicle for Stephen Tompkinson - was Globe Link’s unashamedly amoral roving reporter who wouldn’t think twice about using any means at his disposal to increase the emotional impact of his reports.

The word ethics isn’t a dirty word for Damien Day. It just isn’t a part of his vocabulary.

So how ironic he’s ended up working for an organisation called Truth News.

Then we have Globe Link’s notorious womaniser and gambler Dave - Neil Pearson who claims to be a changed man and George who never changes. He still wears cardigans.

Having spent nearly 25 years working in a newsroom I had the pleasure of working with people who reminded me of several of these colourful characters however this is much more than one long in joke for journalists.

This is sharply observed comedy from the pens of two of the genre’s undisputed heavyweights.

Great fun.

Until February 17. Tickets are available from 0343 208 6000 or www.thelowry.com.

Star rating - 3.5 out of 5.