by Simon Woods
Hansard is an intimate domestic drama about a long and troubled marriage.
"...a devastating portrait of the governing class"
The National Theatre, UK
It is also a comedy about politics and identity and the failings of the ruling class.
The set is a lovely country mansion in the Cotswolds. The time is a Saturday morning in the summer of 1988, towards the end of the Thatcher years. It is the home of Tory cabinet member Robin Hesketh and his politically opposed, stay-at-home, wife of 30 years, Diana.
But all is not as blissful as it seems. The couple are at odds over Robin’s part in assisting a recent piece of sensitive legislation to be passed in parliament during the last week.
The play ends with a ‘delicate’, heart-rending revelation.
The acting was superb. Thank you to the Sterling theatre community for your hospitality after the opening night show.