Political (capital P) theatre can sometimes feel weak because it lacks deep authenticity. ‘Exodus’, by contrast is razor-sharp, and cleverly makes a wildly implausibly story unnervingly believable. Reality unexpectedly intrudes into an (all-too-recognisable) Home Secretary’s photo-op for a major ‘policy’ announcement. Aided by an equally improbable backstory about asylum-seekers, the show swiftly develops the simplest of material into high farce and biting satire. With four excellent performances it was a pleasure to see an excellent play well served by top-quality production. There’s something darker in the comedy, too, about our ready preference for simple untruths over complex humanity. We laugh at the foolish politician who is so easily discombobulated by contact with reality, but for whom is she creating her narratives?

Traverse Theatre, until 28 Aug.
tw rating 5/5 | [Alan Cranston]