Braying politicos getting into fisticuffs, a renegade MP swinging the Commons' mace about and a corrupt backbencher faking his own death – welcome to Westminster circa 1970.

Just a few years back the bedlam of a fractured parliament under Harold Wilson's minority Labour government so sharply depicted in This House would have seemed grotesque, an uncomfortable (if droll) display of the worst humanity has spawned. And yet in these post-Brexit days of ours, I found myself watching all the in-fighting, cavalcade of underhanded deals, finger-pointing and bickering with a touch of nostalgia.

At least this rowdy lot had gumption – and conviction. Cunningly told from the perspective of the feuding (and Machiavellian) Tory and Labour whips, James Graham's razor-sharp play charts Harold Wilson's and the Labour party precarious years in power, from the trial and tribulations of the post-Heath minority government, to the party's precarious (and marginal) majority and ultimate downfall.

Amid the chaos, the whips do their best to shepherd and coerce a diverse chorus of MPs into toeing the party line – and redouble in cunning to stay one step ahead of the enemy, stopping at nothing to clinch victory. And that includes hauling a parade of sick and dying MPs out of bed - and hospital! - through the lobby to register their crucial votes as the government hangs by a thread.

In one rather brilliant (and seriously grotesque) scene, a trio of MPs drop like flies before walking towards the light, plumes of smoke enveloping the ghostly figures. At times poignant, suspenseful, and decidedly farcical, the play lurches forward at a manic tempo – complete with frantic group routines to bring to life the madcap dance and rituals of the Commons – and the cast keep up with brio.

James Gaddas and Martin Marquez hit the mark as Walter Harrison and Bob Mellish, the indomitable (and foul-mouthed) Chief and Deputy whip tag team, who cook up the most mind-boggling plots to outsmart their foes. Together with Tony Turner as Michael Cocks, they inject much needed humanity and pathos in this tug-of-war, highlighting the complex relationships at play and grudging respect between rival camps. Whatever your leanings This House is sure to hit the sweet spot. Don't be alarmed by the 2h45min running time, it all goes by in a flash!

This House runs at the Theatre Royal Bath until Saturday March, 24.