It's a farce: Cameron is PM

A political farce set in the early days of a David Cameron government is heading to the West End.

Whipping It Up, set in the House of Commons whips office, stars One Foot In The Grave actor and Labour supporter Richard Wilson and Robert Bathurst, who played Mark Thatcher in BBC2 drama Coup.

The play, which had a sellout run at the Bush Theatre, Shepherd's Bush, in December, will open at the New Ambassadors Theatre in West Street in March.

Writer Steve Thompson depicts a Tory government with a majority of three and a fresh-faced prime minister, based on Mr Cameron, facing a leadership challenge. The whips have to keep MPs in line - by fair means or foul.

Thompson said: "David Cameron might be the next prime minister - we just don't know - so I thought it would be more fun to write about what happens next."

The Tory leader has been invited to the opening night.

Whipping It Up opens at the New Ambassadors Theatre on 1 March (previews from 22 February).