Complete Guide to ‘I’m Sorry, Prime Minister’: Key Facts and Insights
Jim Hacker and Sir Humphrey Appleby return in a new stage comedy titled I’m Sorry, Prime Minister. This production, inspired by the iconic TV sitcom Yes, Minister, showcases Britain’s unique political humor. Jonathan Lynn, the series co-creator, leads this revival in the West End.
About the Production
This theatrical adaptation features Griff Rhys Jones as Jim Hacker and Clive Francis as Sir Humphrey Appleby. The plot centers around Hacker, who is now a retired politician and the head of Hacker College, Oxford. His character faces a crisis as he gets “cancelled” by the college committee. To navigate the challenges posed by uncooperative students and staff, he seeks help from the clever bureaucrat, Appleby.
Playwright and Director
I’m Sorry, Prime Minister is co-directed and written by the BAFTA-winning Jonathan Lynn. Known for co-creating Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minister, he brings a wealth of experience from television and theater. His past directorial works include notable productions like The Glass Menagerie and Three Men on A Horse.
Performance Details
This show made its debut in 2023 at the Barn Theatre in Cirencester under a different name. After touring Bath and Cambridge, it now enjoys its London premiere at the Apollo Theatre. Here are the key performance details:
- Venue: Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London
- Show Dates: 30 January to 9 May 2026
- Show Times: Tuesday to Saturday at 7:30 PM, with matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2:30 PM
- Duration: 1 hour 55 minutes, including a 20-minute interval
Cast Highlights
The cast features:
- Griff Rhys Jones as Jim Hacker, known for his performances in shows like Not the Nine O’Clock News.
- Clive Francis as Sir Humphrey Appleby, renowned for roles in The Crown and An Inspector Calls.
- Sophie: Hacker’s Oxford graduate care worker.
- Sir David Knell: A High Court judge.
Creative Team Insights
Joining Jonathan Lynn in the direction is Michael Gyngell. Lynn previously worked on beloved productions such as Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense and Urinetown.
Interesting Facts
- The original sitcom established a unique viewpoint on politics, showcasing internal dynamics over public acts.
- It avoided alignment with political parties, focusing instead on governance methods, influencing many satirical writers.
- The show was well-received by politicians, including then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Griff Rhys Jones describes I’m Sorry, Prime Minister as an “elegiac” tale of two retired figures encountering the realities of aging, highlighting its comedic essence as they engage in political antics. For tickets and more information, visit Filmogaz.com.
