Boris Johnson plots to overthrow King Charles in Spitting Image the Musical

After decades off TV, Spitting Image returned to our screens on BritBox a couple of years ago and is now spending the summer as a West End musical.

The grotesque and hilarious puppets of contemporary famous faces have taken over the Phoenix Theatre in London and the result is a mixed bag.

The plot of Boris Johnson, Donald Trump and some billionaire buddies attempting to overthrow King Charles with only Tom Cruise and celebrities in their way is certainly an amusing prospect.

Penned by Al Murray, Matt Forde and Sean Foley, there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and cracking impressions.

Highlights include Prince Harry trying to flog the audience copies of his autobiography Spare and Sir Keir Starmer popping up as Labour superhero Clause Thor.

Meanwhile, the Royal Family singing their own versions of Queen hits like We Will Rule You with a cameo from the late Elizabeth II and Paddington Bear was also a sight to behold.

However, some scenes go on far too long and there’s too much of a lazy reliance on crude humour including (and we’re not kidding) giant dancing and singing penises.

Additionally, including a puppet of Ukrainian President Zelensky and projecting real pictures of the pandemic and migrant boats to make a satirical point fell flat even with the opening night audience.

Nevertheless, the puppeteers are outstanding throughout and there’s lots to be amused by here if you can get through the lame sex jokes and Nigel Farage’s testicles. Certainly not a show for kids!

Spitting Image the Musical is playing at the Phoenix Theatre in London’s West End until August 26, 2023 and tickets can be purchased here.