The Gang of Three takes us to 1972, 1976 and 1980, when leading members of the right wing of the Labour Party are amiably chatting about their interest in who might become leader or deputy leader of the party. They are not only competing with other right-wingers but also with “a case of galloping Marxism.”
The actors give strong, convincing performances on a minimal set. Hywel Morgan plays the more serious Roy Jenkins, Colin Tierney is the tougher political manipulator Denis Healey and Alan Cox delivers the lighter, sociable Tony Crosland.
The witty, polished banter of the dialogue is always amusing. It does illustrate slightly the difference in the personalities, but it can feel like a very old-fashioned comedy of manners without the love story that often accompanies such plays. However, in a flashback to June 1940, we are given a bedroom scene between Crosland and Jenkins that suggests a sexual relationship.
Among the political issues mentioned in the play are Jenkins's long support for the European Economic Community and Denis Healey’s decision as chancellor in 1976 to go along with the IMF proposal to cut public spending. Despite such conversations seeming to anticipate recent UK debates and the period covered being one of heightened political tension on issues that include gay rights and the legalisation of abortion, the politics is little more than window dressing for the comedy.
Rather than engaging with any political issue, the play revolves around clever, amusing conversations that prompt plenty of audience laughter without developing any dramatic tension or revealing much depth to the characters.