Writer and director Robert Icke returns to the West End with Oedipus – a well-known Greek tragedy, of course, but one that has been re-imagined as a tense, modern political thriller. We meet our titular protagonist (played by Mark Strong) on election night while he is awaiting the election results at campaign HQ; he is joined by his wife Jocasta (Lesley Manville), his family and their staff, as they wait to find out whether Oedipus has been elected leader. A timer ticks ominously down towards zero in the background throughout the play.
We were on the edge of our seats throughout – this is an incredibly tense show (one act, no interval, just shy of two hours). The timer is a great gimmick – our minds were racing to figure out exactly what would be revealed when it hit zero. The pacing is excellent, the suspense is relentless: it makes for an intense, but brilliant, watch.
The acting is superb – as a central pair, Strong and Manville make a formidable couple; he is fearless and self-righteous, she is dynamic and sensual. The ensemble cast is impressive too – their three children (played by Phia Saban, Jordan Scowen and James Wilbraham) have a playful chemistry and are brutally honest, often with hilarious results. It all feels very current – the political debate (and particularly the use of Obama-style posters) holds a mirror up to recent US presidential elections, while the play considers huge topics – life, death, sex, love – through thoughtful, meaningful conversations.
The Greek classics can be notoriously tricky to modernise and make accessible – what Robert Icke has achieved here is an absolute masterclass in theatre making. This Oedipus is compelling, timely and completely devastating. Utterly essential viewing.
GAY TIMES gives Oedipus – 5/5
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