one4review | On 16, Aug 2026

Peter Mandelson has spent more than four decades at the centre of British politics, surviving scandals, resignations and sackings that might have ended most political careers. Mandy: Prince of Darkness provides a fascinating reminder of quite how much ground he has covered, while allowing Richard Stirling to demonstrate how effectively he can inhabit one of Britain’s most recognisable political figures.

In the small, intimate and packed Ivy Studio, Stirling walks on looking remarkably like Mandelson and immediately assumes his mannerisms and measured delivery. He begins quietly, and with a noisy fan competing in the background, it takes a little while for the audience’s ears to adjust. Once they do, the performance is captivating.

Mandelson finds himself reflecting on his latest fall from grace, which he describes as being “like being killed without actually dying”. His response is characteristic: rather than accepting responsibility, he finds a way to justify almost everything, even managing to put a positive spin on his relationship with Donald Trump. He describes the “seething admiration” of his fellow Washington correspondents, apparently oblivious to the irony of the statement.

Gradually, there are moments when he appears to question some of his actions, but even these are quickly turned to his advantage. This is the ‘master manipulator’, endlessly capable of rewriting the narrative in his own favour.

For those of us who have lived through Mandelson’s political lifespan, much of the history will be familiar. What is remarkable is the sheer scale of his involvement and how frequently he has managed to return to the political stage after each apparent demise.

There are some good lines and plenty of humour, but it is Stirling’s faultless and utterly convincing delivery that makes this work. At times, you could almost forget that you aren’t listening to Mandelson himself.

A fascinating, highly accomplished performance and one I would certainly recommend catching.

****1/2

Reviewed by Howard

Ivy Studio at Greenside @ George Street

Until 29^th August (not 16^th or 23^rd)