The false prosecution and persecution of 900 subpostmasters by the Post Office in the UK has finally been brought to the forefront of public consciousness, thanks in part to recent dramatic retellings like ITV’s Mr Bates vs the Post Office. Now, the Pentabus theatre company is taking on this miscarriage of justice in a bold new way – through the medium of musical theatre.
Mak£ Good: Shining a Light on Lesser-Known Aspects
In their new production, Mak£ Good: The Post Office Scandal, dramatist Jeanie O’Hare cleverly focuses on some of the less-publicized details surrounding the faulty Horizon digital till system and its impact on unsuspecting subpostmasters. By highlighting procedural intricacies, such as the precarious timing of weekly account balancing and pension payouts, the musical offers fresh insights into the far-reaching consequences of the Post Office’s actions.
A Score That Strikes an Emotional Chord
Composer Jim Fortune’s score for Mak£ Good aims to capture the emotional weight of the scandal through song. While some numbers, like the morale-boosting “You Are Not Alone!” and the geriatric anthem “This Is Age!”, could easily fit into other shows, they nonetheless serve to underscore the human impact of the Post Office’s misdeeds. As one audience member noted, the second half of the performance was accompanied by audible sobbing from the crowd.
In these dramas, the installation of the Horizon digital till resembles the villain’s entrance in a pantomime.
– Mark Lawson, The Guardian
A Work in Progress with Powerful Performances
While there are indications that Mak£ Good is still a work in progress, with the press night performance running significantly longer than advertised, the cast’s commitment to the material is evident. Actors Victoria Brazier, Charlotte Delima, Ed Gaughan, and Samuel Gosrani deftly juggle dozens of roles, bringing to life the stories of those impacted by the Post Office’s actions.
The Power of Theatre in Exposing Injustice
The Post Office Horizon scandal may have been ignored by the public for two decades, but productions like Mak£ Good are ensuring that this miscarriage of justice will not be forgotten. By harnessing the power of musical theatre to shed light on the personal stories behind the headlines, Pentabus is contributing to a growing movement to hold those responsible accountable and secure justice for the subpostmasters whose lives were irrevocably altered.
This British disgrace grips and appalls in any form: the second half was underscored by audience sobbing.
– Mark Lawson, The Guardian
A Timely Reminder of the Importance of Truth
As the UK continues to grapple with the fallout of the Post Office scandal, productions like Mak£ Good serve as a timely reminder of the importance of speaking truth to power. By giving voice to those who were silenced for so long, this musical and others like it are ensuring that the lessons of this dark chapter in British history are not forgotten, and that steps are taken to prevent similar miscarriages of justice from occurring in the future.
Mak£ Good: The Post Office Scandal is currently touring until 1 December. While it may not be a flawless production, its emotional impact and commitment to shining a light on a long-ignored injustice make it a must-see for anyone interested in the power of theatre to effect change and promote accountability.
