OUT OF OFFICE
AT THE BRIDEWELL: WHIPPING IT UP
As election fever takes hold, the Tower Theatre Company is reviving Steve Thompson’s rip-roaring dissection of Westminster double dealing and dirty tricks. Set just after a general election that’s returned the Tories to power with a tiny majority, the play is rife with rebellious backbenchers, backstabbing Chief Whips and cutting comedy. 13-17 April, Bridewell Theatre, 14 Bride Lane, EC4Y 8EQ. Tickets, £11 from www.towertheatre.org.uk.
DRINKS WITH AN ELECTION THEME
If it’s a good time for politically-themed drama, then it’s certainly time for politically-themed cocktails as well. The Hampton’s Bar at smart hotel 51 Bucking Gate is serving up election-inspired cocktails, each representing a different party colour. Gin, champagne and blue curacao for the Tories, raspberry liqueur and cranberry for Labour, and passion fruit, vodka and orange for Lib Dems. And there’s a Fourth Estate tipple for us journos too. 51 Bucking Gate, SW1E 6AF.
THE WHITE GUARD
Over at the National Theatre you can see a different way of settling political disputes with The White Guard, Mikhail Bulgakov’s tale of struggle and familial strife during the Russian Civil War. Set in Kiev as Communist forces close in, the play mixes high themes of family and loyalty with terrific comedy and stunning stage design. National Theatre, Southbank. From £10 from www.nationaltheatre.org.uk.