Never so good / Howard Brenton.

102 p. ; 20 cm.

Never So Good was first performed in the Lyttelton auditorium of the National Theatre on 26 March 2008 (previews from 17 March 2008). It explores the decline of British fortunes in the middle of the twentieth century through a portrait of Harold Macmillan, the Conservative politician and Prime Minister. The play, divided into four acts, covers Macmillan's early life and military experience in World War I; his involvement in British politics during the descent into World War II; the Suez Crisis, during which he served as Chancellor of the Exchequer; and his service as Prime Minister, during which the reputation of his government was severely damaged by the Profumo Affair. Macmillan's younger self remains with him through the play, providing mocking commentary.The title of Never So Good derives from Macmillan's speech to a Conservative rally in Bedford in July 1957, which included the oft-quoted line 'most of our people have never had it so good'.

4 acts ; 13m, 2w, extras.

9781854595515 (pbk.)

D B839ne 2008