SET in the whips’ office of a minority Conservative government, the play follows the ploys, plots and deals as the whips try to head off a rebellion within their ranks.

While written before the advent of the current administration, there was an up-to-the-minute feel to the piece, especially in depicting the whips as a privileged boys’ club.

Director Richard Calver kept the production sharply paced and crisply delivered, teasing out the dark humour of the piece.

The six actors all had their moments, creating a lively, believable dynamic. Simon Goodison was excellent as the puppet master Chief Whip, seemingly over the hill but as sharp as a tack. He was matched by John Gunner’s poker faced turn as the enigmatic deputy and a lively performance from Dave Bunyan as the slightly clownish Junior Whip Tim.

This was politics as it should be, thought provoking, interesting and fun.