Review: OEDIPUS, Wyndham’s Theatre
Photo credit: Manuel Harlan
“Not telling isn’t lying” because perhaps the truth isn’t always best. It’s Election Night and with the right result, Oedipus’ life is about to change forever, but not in the way he expects when a visit from an oracle questions everything he knows.
Adapted from Sophocles’ classic tragedy, the prophecies are well known: that Oedipus will kill his father, marry his mother and bring chaos and disaster to his family and the nation he is poised to serve. Robert Icke has brought the story into the present day, complete with a much anticipated and exceptional cast led by Mark Strong in the title role and Lesley Manville as his wife, Jocasta. His family are all there ready to celebrate the victory that they are sure is to come; but that sense of hope and curiosity is soon replaced by horror at the truths that are revealed. Set against the background of a starkly lit campaign office, designed by Hildegard Bechtler and Natasha Chivers, slowly dismantled to mirror Oedipus’ sense of self. Never have we been so shocked by a play that opens by telling you everything that is to come.
Directed by Robert Icke, the anticipation and tension is tangible throughout. This is a production that will keep you on the edge of your seat as the pace switches been snappy dialogue and slow tortured reveals. This is a deeply human story which doesn’t just explore the flaws of humanity but the many facets of human relationships. Ike is a keen study as crude insults fly across the family dinner table: a cacophony of overlapping voices.
The cast of Oedipus is sensational and their performances are captivatingly naturalistic. The issues covered are certainly not those that would affect most families but the interactions we see are no less relatable. “I’ve never believed that talking about something makes it hurt less” but in the case of Lesley Manville’s Jocasta it makes for a truly remarkable performance. Her visceral and heart-breaking portrayal of a woman reliving the trauma of her past is magnetic. Her chemistry with Mark Strong’s Oedipus is excellent, full of love and flirtation as they navigate the revelations. Strong has undeniable stage presence as he delivers a gripping and nuanced performance of a politician reduced to the actions of his youth. The way his physicality and demeanour decline as the lies are uncovered is a masterclass in acting. The cast around our protagonists all have their roles to play. As this story of unwitting self-sabotage unfurls Phia Saban’s Antigone brings the ignorance of youth to contrast political aide Creon’s (Michael Gould) suspicion of experience. Samuel Brewer’s gripping delivery of the prophecies instigates the story, and June Watson delivers the final blow as she reveals the truth of Oedipus’ birth.
A central theme of Oedipus is the individual’s role in their destiny but in this adaptation, Icke has distorted the timelines. More time has passed as growing doubt intertwines with their understanding of the past. As these human connections crumble, the pain is made all the more keen by the glimmers of joy we see at the start of the play. This glimpse into the alternative reality they hoped would come true is repeated in the final moments. During a superfluous thirty second long scene, Oedipus excitedly shows Jocasta his chosen campaign office. This breaks the tension of the explosive ending scored by roaring music that appeared to bring this exquisite production to a close. Despite this, Oedipus is undoubtedly five star theatre as Icke brings Greek tragedy storming into the 21st Century.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Sophie Luck
Oedipus plays at London’s Wyndham’s Theatre until 4 January 2025, with tickets available here.
