Interview: Dom Hodson, The Cabinet Minister

A brand-new adaptation of Arthur Wing Pinero’s The Cabinet Minister is heading to the Menier Chocolate Factory this Autumn. The story which blends sharp political satire will sit perfectly in the theatre’s intimate setting providing the perfect backdrop for this production. Ahead of its run, we had the opportunity to chat with Dom Hodson who plays Keith, Lord Drumdurris in the show to find out more.

What can you tell us about the production?

The show is a wonderfully witty, silly and entertaining play set in the 1890’s – but with a bite!

The Cabinet Minister has been adapted by Nancy Carroll, can audiences expect anything different?

Nancy has been very faithful to all the qualities of the original piece but has magnified it through a modern lens. The script whips along - with numerous plot lines/characters cut from the original - with some jokes and references added that will especially tickle a modern audience. 

You character Keith is a pivotal character in The Cabinet Minister. How did you approach understanding and portraying his personality and motivations?

He is a rather emotionally-repressed, army-trained young man who was sent off to boarding school at an early age and inherited a vast Scottish estate. I think it would be fair to say he isn’t too emotionally intelligent and that has been a lot of fun to play with and extract the humour from.

Do you see any similarities between yourself and Keith? If so, how have these influenced your portrayal?

He’s a bit of an arse – so certainly similarities there – though I hope I am a bit more emotionally intelligent… who knows!? My moustache is a bit itchy now too – it’s in it’s tricky ‘3 week growth’ stage. 

What were some of the challenges you faced in bringing Keith to life? How did you overcome them?

His character was one that has been reduced from the original – so whilst his subplot revolves around marital problems with his wife and their disagreements over the direction of their 5-month old’s future career (politics or the army) these characters now aren’t seen - so we’ve had to be clever in our referencing of them and paint a clear picture for the audience. 

Is there a particular scene in the play that you find most impactful or enjoyable to do? Why?

I very much enjoy the group dances at the end of the piece, and the final ‘sting’ – but I’d get in trouble if I gave too much away on that. It is also a real treat to watch some truly fantastic actors in the rehearsal room – we’re very lucky.

What audiences will The Cabinet Minister appeal to?

Anyone who enjoys a laugh and fancies a couple hour’s escape! I see it as restoration comedy meets P.G. Woodhouse. 

Finally, why should people book their tickets to see the show at the Menier Chocolate Factory?

Some silly actors flexing their comedy chops in a cracking piece of escapism. And the design is beautiful! 

Catch Dom Hodson in The Cabinet Minister at the Menier Chocolate Factory from 21 September to 16 November 2024.