But it is Eddie the crazed spin doctor who is Beaton's finest comic creation in the play that has audiences chortling over topical barbs about everything from May Day riots to the transport minister being stranded on a broken down train. It is set at a seaside party conference just as a scandal is to break about beer made with genetically modified hops that makes men grow breasts. Actor Henry Goodman steals the show as a devious press secretary determined to bury the scandal at all costs. A crazed control freak, he ruthlessly crushes resistance and manipulates the media.
Blackmail works wonders with weak opponents.
In an age when Labour is mocked for its obsession with spin doctors and soundbites, The Guardian newspaper sent its political correspondent Michael White along to take a look at how accurate the satire was. I liked it. Beaton is delighted with the nightly feedback. I hope it causes some offence in high places. Margaret Thatcher once gamely came to watch a satirical play about her husband Denis.