A Walk On Part

A chronology of events from 1997 to 2010, it's performed with a sharp wit and some uncannily real impressions of that era's leading political figures.

Adapted for the stage by Michael Chaplin, it uses no more than five actors, the same number of chairs and a backdrop of TV monitors displaying the date along with memorable images from new Labour's 13-year reign.

Although the under-25s may find themselves a little lost at some of the pre-noughties references, the comparatively recent events displayed gives the play a contemporary edge, not least with the nods it makes to September 11, the Iraq war, the London bombings, MPs' expenses, the recession and general elections.

John Hodgkinson takes centre stage superbly as Mullin. His droll narration, eccentric flamboyance and sensitivity in always striving to do the right thing but not always succeeding makes for particularly amusing scenes and creates sympathy and respect for a job many might deem a thankless struggle.

Hywel Morgan is called on to harness the disarming campiness of Tony Blair one minute before breaking into a dry Jack Straw and Tony Benn drawl the next, while Howard Ward captures the Dalek-like emotions of Gordon Brown, a firebrand Dennis Skinner and a wily John Prescott.

Elsewhere Tracey Gillman does a good grumpy Glenda Jackson and Noma Dumezweni a tough Clare Short.

It's a great piece of satire but there's a serious intent, subtly expressed.

While on the surface the play homes in on the struggle of the back benches, more widely it is an observation of the continuing conflict between the "old" Labour left and the new Labour right.

There are many references to MPs on both sides of that division and Mullin, who voted against the Iraq war, questions whether it is more important for politicians to toe the party line for personal gain or to maintain moral integrity.

The play answers its own question in the poignant scene of a family of asylum-seekers and a single mum looking for asylum who plead for Mullin's help.

"For once in my life I was satisfied in the knowledge that I had made a difference," Mullin tellingly reflects.

Runs until April 14. Box office: (020) 747- 0100.