The Line of Beauty ★★★★ Almeida Theatre | Oct 21 - Nov 29, 2025


Like Lambert Strether from The Ambassadors and Charles Ryder from Brideshead Revisited before him, Nick Guest also wanders into an upper class world of amoral complexity which both bewilders and challenges him. In Jack Holden's dramatic adaptation of Alan Hollinghurst's novel, The Line of Beauty, the focus is on the enduring British obsession with class, intertwined with a historical examination of the evolution of gay rights during the AIDS pandemic. The relationship of aesthetic absolutism to ethical relativism, with the pursuit of the line of beauty leading to an obsession with a line of cocaine, is referenced, but it remains largely under explored. This is unfortunate since it is that theme which is perhaps the most subtly and interestingly developed in Hollinghurst's novel. Nevertheless the production is a powerful family drama which carries the audience along as Nick deals with being an openly gay man in Thatcher's Britain and being caught between two echelons of society that disapprove of his sexual orientation, one overtly and the other covertly. The show is also a gloss on the current populism that is sweeping across the political scene, and it brings home its point with clarity and conviction. This is a powerful and well-acted piece with strong performances by the entire cast. Jasper Talbot conveys Nick’s innocence and growing attraction to privilege with sensitivity while Arty Froushan gets it just right as the conflicted, closeted Wani. Charles Edwards and Claudia Harrison are perfect as the privately liberal and publicly Conservative Feddens who use Nick to deal with their troubled daughter Cat. As that fragile truth teller of the family, whose instability makes her an unreliable repository for all the various secrets, Ellie Bamber is quite outstanding. Although most of the characters are two-dimensional, we enjoy their familiarity. Robert Portal is a wonderfully villainous bigoted 'Badger,' and Doreene Blackstock also puts in a reassuringly recognisable performance as the religious, but obtuse, Mrs Charles. While some of the references and attitudes may be more 2020s than 1980s, this show is deeply compelling and resonates with striking contemporary relevance.

Rated: ★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Johan Persson

When, Where, Getting there:
Map & Location: Almeida St, London N1 1TA, UK

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