British Playwright James Graham's INK - Rupert Murdoch's Rising Claim in the Media Game

Stop the presses for the sensational West End import INK, a biopic play about Aussie Rupert Murdoch's initial emergence as an international media mogul.  Playwright James Graham's (b UK 1982) INK received an Olivier & Tony nomination for this exceptional production of an indelible portrayal of a ruthless & brilliant business operator.  The script follows the year 1969-70 in which Murdoch took over the fledgling SUN paper in London and transformed into a best selling tabloid.  Murdoch is mercilessly played by Brit Bertie Carvel nominated for a Tony in this role.  INK is a David v Goliath story in which its anti-hero Murdoch maneuvers to beat down the competition with steadfast cunning and has you rooting for his success.  Already a newspaper king in his homeland, Murdoch aims to get conquer the media game abroad appealing to the everyman by selling them what they want. Murdoch pulls the wool over the eyes of its major competitor the "Mirror" starting by luring away Larry Lamb (Johnny Lee Miller in a pitch perfect performance) as editor for the "Sun".   Murdoch agrees to allow Lamb free range over the paper.  Under Lamb's no holds barred modus operandi, rag tag team  of unconventional journalists & photographers, and Murdoch's omnipresent oversight without overstepping, the paper transforms into a sensationalized tabloid outselling the competitors. Major breakthroughs came with exclusive reporting on Murdoch's Deputy's wife kidnapping for ransom. Lamb ran 1st hand privileged information which may have compromised her rescue.  Lamb was the first to post female nudes and to use the telly to advertise the SUN.  Both moves garnered massive readership.  The entire cast is first rate.  Rana Roy (Stephanie Rahn) is outstanding as the infamous first female nude. The sleek scenic design by Bunny Christy provides the fast paced underpinnings to putting together a paper and keeps the tempo pulsing.  Murdoch explains the 5 W's requisite for writing a news story with a wry take on the WHY.  "Once you give the why - the story is over."  Murdoch's business acumen kept his eye on the ever changing future in media to remain relevant and expanding.   INK makes you think whether the media feeds the people what they want or are we now being dictated by the media what it is we want.   Graham's thrilling writing, Rupert Goold's tight direction and great acting make INK a formidable production that you'll want to see.