Rosmersholm, Duke of York's Theatre - ★★★★★ - Until July 20, 2019


This is Ibsen for 2019. So much of the plot resonates with us today, including the chaotic political situation. Terrifically directed by Ian Rickson in Rae Smith's brilliant set which is superbly lit by Neil Austin. Every nuance is clear as a bell. The play is largely about nobility of spirit and ultimately loss. The cast portray it wonderfully. Rosmer's widowhood weighs heavy upon him and all around him. Tom Burke, Giles Terera and especially Hayley Atwell broke my heart time and again. Atwell is by turns stoic, romantic, guilty, judgemental, contradictory, revolutionary and broken. Terera has great stage presence and a beautiful speaking voice and is very much the éminence grise of the play. As the former cleric, Burke has some wonderfully powerful moments and demonstrates love for both his late wife and for his new amour. Lucy Briers, Peter Wight and Jake Fairbrother contribute excellent cameos. The audience clearly picked up the irony surrounding some of the politics! The penultimate line: "Are you leading me, or am I leading you" says it all, but only leads to further tragedy. The final coup de théâtre stunned me. A wonderful production of an underrated play happily restored to the forefront - go see it!

Reviewed by D.S.J.

 Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆☆

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WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until July 20, 2019
Mon - Sat: 7:30 pm, Wed & Sat: 3:30 pm
Duke of York's Theatre
Nearest tube: Leicester Square
http://duke-of-yorks.theatre-tickets.com/rosmersholm
Map & Location: St Martin's Ln, Charing Cross, London WC2N 4BG, UK

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