This time the ingenious author of television shows like The Young Ones and Black Adder has an insightful dig at the world of corporate executives, advertising agencies and perhaps even the community that condones their existence.

His slick over-confident, yet sometimes toadying characters are given lines that read as though they should be delivered faster than a speeding bullet. Their appropriateness is completed with the ‘newspeak’ abbreviations of the ‘in’ people of 1990 when yuppies ruled the world.

“An often hilarious satire on yuppiedom, advertising and corporate greed” (The Daily Telegraph)

“A sharp witted satire on the heartlessness of market forces….this is the kind of improbable hypothesis that Aristophanes and Ben Jonson relished as the starting point for a play and Elton displays some of their talent for pursuing an idea to its demented logical conclusion” (Independent)

SNIPPETS FROM OUR REVIEWS:

It is a dark comedy about corporate greed - in the end of the day an old-fashioned morality tale with ambitious business men and women as its tawdry villians. The script is drenched with mad metaphors - "as hard to swallow as an Aeroflot meal". High spot is a massage room scene with Ron Hughes enduring gloriously sadistic manipulation.
 (Samela Harris, Advertiser)

Pamela Munt plays Kirsten, the aggressive manipulative advertising agent for whom every glass ceiling must shatter. The other four cast mamebers have equal abilities: Philip LIneton as the unpleasantly deviant Sir Chifley Lockheart, Ron Hughes as sycophantic executive Philip, Leo Baker as his equally toady sidekick Sandy and Victoria Mazzone as secretary, political minister, reporter and weather woman.
(Russell Starke - Messenger) 

Ron Hughes as the Chief's right hand man, Philip, was impressive, every bit the corporate high flyer. Leo Baker, as Sandy, Philip's assistant gave strong support. Pamela Munt, as Kirsten, the media spin doctor, injected much of the misssing pace, she and Ron Hughes setting the mark for the others to follow. Victoria Mazzone in various minor roles, was full of energy. Pop along for a breath of fresh air.
(Barry Lenny - Rip It Up)

Ben Elton is a very funny man who writes very funny scripts and this is a fun production.....Ron Hughes is wonderful as the toady, Philip, who undergoes a change of heart and mind. Hughes works well with Philip Lineton as Sir Chifley Lockheart....the play shines through, funny and relevant.
(Fran Edwards..Encore/ATG).

Ben Elton's first play Gasping now playing at the Bakehouse will leave you breathless. Hilariously controversial, topically insightful and a scathing warpes lampoon, Gasping should not be missed. The tremendous cast delivers strong performances. Ron Hughes masterfully interprets Philip's sycophantic, profit-obsessed but likeable character while Pamela Munt as Kirsten portrays the hard-nosed, sexy, independent businesswoman with a cheeky, sassy style that makes her an audience favourite. Playing four small roles Victoria Mazzone is stunning.. and Leo baker as Sandy and Philip LIneton as Sir Chiffley are convincing.
(Steven Davenport - Indepent Weekly)
 

AUDIENCE COMMENTS:

Well, Noelene and I are gasping at a very funny show we had the pleasure of catching last night. A very strong ensemble on stage, with LOTS of good one-liners and even a fair message on corporate rapacity and the environment. - Geoff Hastwell

Just a note of thanks for the excellent show the other night. I'd heard of Ben Elton but had never actually seen any of his material presented. Quite droll and wicked satire. Congratulations to everyone involved.
 - Jack, Director, Blackwood Players.