From the writers of 2012’s spiky satirical hit ‘Coalition’, ‘Making News’ re-aligns the target of ridicule from parliament to the BBC newsroom. It’s an impishly witty look behind the public headlines at the corporation’s bureaucracies and scandals, taking digs at the Lib Dems and poor old Salford in its stride. Startlingly topical and with more punch than a Paxman interrogation, ‘Making News’ just falls short of hitting headline-grabbing brilliance by launching into some moments of absurdity, which suddenly diminish the hilarious authenticity of the rest of the production. Here the usually fabulous, star-studded cast are left struggling a touch with the script, the consistently incredible Phil Jupitus and Hal Cruttenden both excepted. Nonetheless, a cheekily clever production.

Pleasance Courtyard, until 25 Aug (not 12), 1.00pm.
tw rating 4/5 | [Katharine Wootton]