A 1984 production from the left-wing theatre company, Wildcat Stage Productions, which satirises the devotion of right-wing free-market capitalists to their ideals by staging a thanksgiving service from "The Second Church of Christ Monetarist".
Provides examples of:
- Actor-Muso Show: The onstage section of the cast be seen doubling as bandmembers in the background of other songs e.g. Dr Block and Barry Fallop playing the piano during "Kick Them When They're Down (It's Safer That Way)"
- Good Fortune from God: The concept of the "Prosperity Gospel" is roasted into oblivion. "Credit With The Lord" is a rousing Gospel Revival Number about how there's no room for poor people in heaven and that you can boost your chances of getting into God's good graces by accumulating wealth.
- Greedy Televangelist: Dr Mervyn Block, Life President Church of Christ Monetarist Inc, who entreats his followers to remember that there's "no such thing as a free lunch in the saviour's restaurant."
- Holy Pipe Organ: One can be heard playing while Dr Block delivers his opening sermon to the congregation. At one point it can be heard playing Jerusalem.
- Jesus Was Way Cool: Dr Block claims that "Jesus was a funky guy" in "Sinners Repent Now".
- Nap-Inducing Speak: The congregation can be seen visibly dosing off during Barry Fallop's number.
- No Celebrities Were Harmed:
- Mervyn Block's name is based on that of South Bank Show host Melvyn Bragg.
- Barry Fallop is a pretty unsubtle Parody of Barry Manilow.
- Mr America is based on Johnny Cash, with the backup singers standing in for The Carter Family.
- Non-Appearing Title: Most of the songs are given onscreen titles that don't appear within any of the lyrics:
- The opening song is titled "Hymn No. 563 - The Rope is Our Hope."
- Barry Fallop's song is titled "Psalm 35 - The People Shall Sleep & Not Complain" with the tune listed as "In Excelsis Mogadon."
- Mr America's song is titled "Kick Them When They're Down (It's Safer That Way)."
- The song sung by the Choir of The Monetarist Youth League is called "Let the Strong Poppies Grow Tall"
- The reggae song appears to be titled "Sinners Repent Now".
- Old Retainer: Some poor old retired servant gets pledged as a donation to the church by his former employer.
- Pretty Fly for a White Guy: Dr Block cheerfully claims while performing "Sinners Repent Now" that he's a "
Rastafarian Aryan". - Shout-Out:
- The play's format of a televised church service with onscreen titles showing the names of hymns is the same structure used by Songs of Praise before it switched to a magazine format.
- Dr Block says that "God didn't make the little green apples to sit on their bums all day" in reference to the Roger Miller song, "Little Green Apples."
- Barry Fallop namechecks "My Way" during his song.
- Silly Prayer: One scene has a member of the church lead the congregation in a parody of "The Apostles' Creed" mocking The BBC for its middle-of-the-road sensibilities and the credulity of its audience.
- Truck Driver's Gear Change: Barry Fallop's song features a key change to drag out the end of the song.
- Yellowface: The sumo wrestler in the hostile takeover sketch appears to be played by a white actor.
