Oedipus

Review by Sam

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The epic Greek tragedy is reimagined by Robert Icke in an exhilarating powerhouse production which sees the secrets of the past burst into the present.

Staring Mark Strong and Lesley Manville, this new interpretation tells Sophocles’ renowned story re-contextualised as a political thriller. Set during an election night, Oedipus is on track to secure a landslide victory, but as the polls draw to a close everything is about to change. Icke’s modernisation of this classic text is utter theatrical perfection and arguably one of the most gripping scripts of the year. Both his direction and writing are strokes of genius which are nothing short of masterful.

Icke manages to create an ominous atmosphere, incorporating a ticking clock on stage throughout, signifying the polls drawing to a close. An immediate sense of tension and urgency is felt, as the clock acts as a timed pressure cooker to the play itself. Then the ‘big reveal’ is strategically timed for the precise moment the clock strikes zero. What is already a powerful and shocking revelation, becomes a defined gut-punch which showcases the sheer brilliance of Icke’s direction.

The entire supporting cast are sensational, but it is the electrifying performances from Strong and Manville who make this show as phenomenal as it is. Manville in particular ends up stealing the piece, with a gut wrenchingly raw performance, and a monologue that is so captivating you can hear a pin drop.

My only drawback, was the incorporation of an unnecessary flashback scene in the final few moments. For me, this should have been cut entirely to leave the play with a more dramatic and harrowing final moment which happens prior.

Overall this is a truly phenomenal and almost flawless production that delivers on all counts. Robert Icke has created a masterful show which will be a strong contender for one of my favourite plays of the year.