Oedipus is London's compelling and edgy new drama that brings a Greek tragedy to life

Yahoo

08-02-2025

Oedipus starring Rami Malek and Indira Varma has finally arrived at the Old Vic and the tension was palpable from start to finish.
Ella Hickson's adaptation of the Greek tragedy Oedipus, starring Rami Malek as Oedipus and Indira Varma as Jocasta, is currently playing at The Old Vic Theatre until March 29.
Ella Hickson's adaptation of the Greek tragedy Oedipus is currently playing at The Old Vic Theatre until March 29. (Image: Manuel Harlan) The scene is set with a cacophony of dramatic drum beats as an ensemble of dancers make their way briskly across the stage, acting as a silently moving Greek chorus, with choreography from Hofesh Shechter.
The show was quite unlike anything I've experienced before at The Old Vic, or indeed on any stage, with a combination of theatrics and dance that skilfully punctuated each scene.
The scene is set with a cacophony of dramatic drum beats as an ensemble of dancers make their way briskly across the stage. (Image: Manuel Harlan)
The set had no bells or whistles, with a simple blank canvas of dark grey walls, which really added to the foreshadowing of our protagonist's downfall.
Rami gave a truly striking performance of Oedipus, whilst Indira's performance skilfully peeled back the layers of desperation as her tragic backstory is revealed.
Rami gave a truly striking performance of Oedipus, whilst Indira's performance skilfully peeled back the layers of desperation as her tragic backstory is revealed. (Image: Manuel Harlan) Cecilia Noble's performance as Tiresias is a lively, witty and humorous contrast against the sombre themes of the play, and her performance takes a drastic switch when the truth of Oedipus is revealed.
The performance was a compelling and timeless portrayal of one of a family torn apart by cruel fate and was riveting to watch.
Oedipus will be playing at The Old Vic until March 29 with tickets starting from £15.