No laugh a minute, but ‘Anglo’ is a great satire

With disgraced banker Seán FitzPatrick’s puppet banished to the storeroom of the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre for legal reasons, Anglo: The Musical could easily have been a case of Hamlet without the prince.

But with less than two weeks to replace FitzPatrick on legal advice, writer Paul Howard and his team rose to the occasion, and opening night was a success.

The most successful caricatures are Bertie Ahern and David McWilliams.

McWilliams is ousted to a cupboard in the Anglo bank after he dares to disagree with the insane lending policies of banker boss Rich. Bertie is Rich’s plaything, acquiescing to all his demands and displaying a potty mouth.

The main scene is set on an island off the west coast, which is “debt poor”. A love story is unfolding between bodhrán-maker Diarmuid and cailín deas Aisling. When Diarmuid proposes, Aisling is thrilled. But when his head is turned by his yuppie cousin, who works for Anglo, Aisling is horrified by the change in him.

Muppets, puppets & a dose of reality! Satirical wizardry at its very best! #anglothemusical Go see it if you can! http://t.co/g7CWLQhw

— Deric (@deric_tv) November 15, 2012

If you go expecting a laugh a minute you’ll be disappointed. What you’re watching is a satire on the golden circle who brought this country to its knees.

You won’t go home chuckling, but you will leave with some serious thoughts about what exactly happened to this country.

@RossOCK Muppets, puppets & a dose of reality! Satirical wizardry at its very best! #anglothemusical @BordGaisEnergy pic.twitter.com/bt8JyUtt

— Deric (@deric_tv) November 15, 2012