Operation Blank written and performed by George Grant draws heavily on his corporate life to create a sharp and highly imaginative satire.
The minimalist set consists of George’s desk, a contentious seating arrangement, and a large video screen mounted at the rear, on which the other participants gather.
An emergency teams meeting has been convened at the highest levels of the British Government after someone has gained access to the nuclear codes and bombed Copenhagen. Junior (George Grant), a low-ranking staffer, appears to be the only person who thinks some kind of contingency plan might be necessary.
Joining him in the meeting are the Prime Minister, casually dressed in a jacket and underwear; a topless military adviser; a minister sporting a Hawaiian shirt; and, finally, what looks like a potato with a halo. Then there is a superannuated expert who remains on mute, silently mouthing his contributions into the void. All are woefully ill-equipped to deal with the crisis.
The PM appears to be more concerned that George’s chair fails to comply with an email that was sent out to the hundred thousand or so civil servants than any nuclear threat. As a consequence, George is forced to stand for much of the meeting to protect his back. The other participants spend more time discussing what they should call the plan because, naturally, branding is important. Nobody appears to know where Copenhagen actually is, leading to increasingly ridiculous jokes about “burnt Danish” and “Copenha-gone”.
Adding to the chaos George’s computer interrupts him with what appears to be annual performance review, adding to the chaos.
George’s timing and interaction with the screen are impeccable, making it easy to forget that he plays every character himself. Subtle changes in costume, posture, and dialect distinguish each participant. Much of the humour comes from the characters’ complete ignorance and the increasingly cruel treatment of Junior, who is repeatedly chided and belittled.
George Grant has created a very funny, technically impressive, and highly imaginative piece of theatre. Operation Blank is a sharp, inventive satire of corporate culture, bureaucracy, and institutional incompetence. It is smart, engaging, and thoroughly entertaining from start to finish. Well worth seeing.
Reviewed by Nina Gardner
Four Stars
Playing at Fleming Theatre at theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall until 29th August
Tickets and further information can be found following the link below
Theatre, Art and Film Reviews 
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