Griff Rhys Jones has stepped into the role of former Prime Minister Jim Hacker in a fresh stage production of “I’m Sorry, Prime Minister,” currently running at the Apollo Theatre in London. The play, a continuation of the beloved “Yes Minister” franchise, opened on February 13th, 2026, and is being billed as the final installment penned by original co-writer Jonathan Lynn.
The production finds Hacker, now a member of the House of Lords and master of an Oxford college, facing potential expulsion from his academic post due to views considered out of step with contemporary sensibilities. According to reviews, the play explores themes of aging and irrelevance as Hacker enlists the aid of his long-time advisor, Sir Humphrey Appleby, played by Clive Francis, to navigate the situation. Lynn, who also directs alongside Michael Gyngell, first staged this iteration of the story at The Barn in Cirencester in 2023.
The play’s narrative echoes a broader examination of the challenges faced by those once in positions of power, as highlighted by a reference to Shelley’s “Ozymandias” delivered by the character Sophie, Hacker’s care worker. The production also portrays Sir Humphrey’s predicament, having been placed in a care home by his daughter-in-law. Although the play touches upon current issues like cancel culture and safe spaces, critics note that its primary focus remains on the dynamic between the two lead characters and the comedic interplay of their contrasting perspectives.
Reviews suggest a mixed reception to the casting of Rhys Jones, with some critics noting a contrast between his performance and the precise timing of his predecessors, Paul Eddington and Nigel Hawthorne. However, Francis’s portrayal of Sir Humphrey has been widely praised for its blend of vulnerability, and shrewdness. The Standard reported that the play is “baggy, old-fashioned” but still manages to amuse despite the casting choices.
Lynn’s script, written following the death of his original co-writer Antony Jay, is described as a reflection on the loss of influence and the difficulties of adapting to a changing world. The production continues at the Apollo Theatre until May 9th, leaving the fate of Hacker and Sir Humphrey unresolved.
