The Motherfucker with the Hat, National Theatre ****

From the title, you know that this play isn't going to be your typical National Theatre production. Certainly the language in the piece, that brings to mind The Thick of It, lives up to it's provocative title. Despite this, Stephen Andy Guirgis' play has more subtlety than one might imagine. The graphic and imaginative use of expletives are used by the characters to disguise their vulnerabilities and addictions, creating moments that are beautiful rather than grotesque. I am also thankful for the lack of a gunshot which could be justifiable directorial decision to make, Rubasingham's production is something that lingers in the mind, which is helped by the lack of finality that a gunshot brings. The play is also extremely funny, although the comedy is secondary to and as a result of the pathos felt towards Jackie, played with conviction by Ricardo Chavira. The rest of the cast are excellent  too, in a fast paced performance enabled by the quick scene changes that Guirgis writes. This normally bugs me but the efficient and lively design from Robert Jones that helps to portray the vibrant culture of people who are often ignored by our culture. The whole evening has restored my faith in the National and in Norris in programming interesting and diverse work executed well by some of the best cast and creatives around.