It seems as if we cannot get away from American presidential elections. No, not Barack Obama. This time it’s John P Wintergreen.

In the wake of his victory in Gershwin’s Of Thee I Sing, which Opera North revived last autumn, he is back in town seeking re-election four years later in the sequel.

After some quick campaigning, he loses by a landslide to John P Tweedledee. Nothing daunted, he devises a plan for revolution. “Italy – black shirts! Germany – brown shirts! America – blue shirts!” A blue shirt revolution or your money back is the new slogan. Shirt sales mushroom and he becomes a dictator, deposing Tweedledee.

This whimsical libretto, by George S Kaufman and Morrie Ryskind, progresses in similar fashion, spoofing virtually every American sacred cow as it goes. The army takes his side after he promises it all the war debts. Throttlebottom, the ex-vice president, played to perfection as a loser by Steven Beard, escapes the guillotine (he has proved a poor baseball umpire) only when Mary Wintergreen unites the women of America in opposition. He finishes as president.

The story is so flimsy that mere suspension of disbelief is hardly enough. Gershwin uses his brother Ira’s lyrics to provide some passing amusement, but their targets are largely old hat.

Caroline Gawn’s production laughs at itself too much to drive home the parody with proper force and only one of the songs, Mine, has retained any place in the repertory.

The cast does its best to pretend that the show is worth making an effort over. William Dazeley is an unshakeably gung-ho Wintergreen with Bibi Heal equally charming as the steadfast Mary. Richard Suart’s General Snookfield deservedly earns laughs at every appearance. Jeni Bern as his mistress, Trixie, and Richard Burkhard as Kruger, a true revolutionary, team up in a catchy duet that gets the biggest hand. Wyn Davies conducts a slimmed-down orchestra with a good feel for swing and the chorus is unfailingly hearty. But is this piece really worth so much time and money?

Further performances tonight, February 6, 13 & 14, then on tour. Phone the Box Office on 0844 848 2720