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Telegraph
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
British theatre needs to start treating the classics with respect
Earlier this week, I witnessed Ewan McGregor's theatrical return in My Master Builder. The 54-year-old actor has not been seen on the London stage in 17 years, and his homecoming has made headlines. The production itself, however, at Wyndham's Theatre, seemed to me the real story. It's an extremely tenuous update of Ibsen's 1892 play Bygmester Solness (The Master Builder), about Halvard Solness, a self-made man whose lack of formal training prevents him from calling himself an architect, and whose life is brought tumbling down by the reappearance of a piquant young woman, Hilda, with whom he was once infatuated. In this tacky new version by Lila Raicek, I cared little for Solness, here a self-satisfied, espadrille-wearing starchitect, and even less for Hilda, now known as 'Mathilde' and played by The Crown's Elizabeth Debicki with all the fervour of a saluki left out in the rain. My Master Builder is being billed as a new play, but it's a thin approximation of a classic that's vivid and psychologically rich. Because this is the thing about Ibsen: like all great artists, he's always contemporary. A really great production of The Master Builder, such as that seen at the Old Vic in 2015 with Ralph Fiennes and Sarah Snook, makes you confront its stark modernity. You don't need a rewrite to make it hit home. But My Master Builder is part of a trend to 'update' theatrical classics – and Ibsen is particularly susceptible. Across town, the Lyric Hammersmith is currently staging a version of Ghosts in which the sickness of Helena Alving's son isn't syphilis but a sort of manifestation of his father's toxicity. And at the Duke of York's Theatre a year ago, I saw Thomas Ostermeier's version of An Enemy of the People, which starred Matt Smith, and I loathed it: Ostermeier turned what should have been a timely tale about freedom of speech and the perils of group-think into a terrible dollop of student agitprop. Ibsen is the most frequently performed European playwright in Britain. After him comes Chekhov, who's treated only a little better than his Norwegian 19th-century counterpart. Recent radical versions of both The Cherry Orchard and The Seagull have managed to convince us that Arkadia, Anya and the rest are very much our contemporaries – though the latter, also directed by Ostermeier, was patchy. But things can go badly wrong: in 2014, I saw a production of Three Sisters at the Southwark Playhouse in which the titular ladies, stranded implausibly in a far-off country, pined for London (when they were all clearly wealthy enough to book the first flight home). We could blame Patrick Marber for all of this. In 1995, his play After Miss Julie transposed Strindberg's 1888 tragedy of desire, Miss Julie, across class barriers to Attlee's Britain. (It was originally directed, coincidentally, by the estimable Michael Grandage, who's also responsible for My Master Builder.) But Marber is a sublime talent and managed to make a new play in its own right, while respectfully teasing out what makes Strindberg so important, not least the overwhelming psychological attrition. I appreciate that part of theatre's duty is to reinvent old works; and the recent success of shows such as Oedipus, starring Lesley Manville (and also at Wyndham's Theatre), proves that there's always an appetite for radical takes on the most ancient of stories. But adaptation needs a skilled hand. That latest version of Sophocles's tragedy was adapted and directed by Robert Icke, who has made his name deconstructing classics and bringing out their cerebral nature in surprising and shocking ways. Think of his famous Hamlet with Andrew Scott, first performed in 2017: it kept a lot of Shakespeare's text, but re-ordered it in a fascinating way, making it more urgent, less declamatory. And Icke has made a successful translation of Ibsen, with The Wild Duck in 2018, showing a clear and cohesive grasp of his source material and never forgetting the play's ultimate message: that we're all, ultimately, propelled by self-delusion. The problem is that Icke is bordering on a national treasure, and few can match his level of dramatic erudition. My overriding feeling, looking around at the state of British theatre, is that you should take on rewriting landmark works only if you're certain of living up to the original. I'll be interested to see how a new version of Euripides's The Bacchae – announced by Indhu Rubasingham on Tuesday as a part of her inaugural season as National Theatre artistic director – turns out, not least because it's the first time that a debut playwright (Nima Taleghani) has been let loose on the capacious Olivier Stage. Even if Marber started the trend, I think the 2020s has seen directors cede more and more ground to writers. Dramatists seem compelled to muck around with their source material and make it virtually unrecognisable. It's as if producers were too afraid to proudly present the classics, lest the audience feel they're being forced to pay top dollar to watch old material. And it's particularly frustrating that this is happening when in most other respects, the theatre industry has – like many other creative sectors – become miserably risk-averse. Although I disliked Raicek's play, I didn't want to: she clearly has an ear for dialogue, and she could have been commissioned to write something entirely new. But a wholly new play by a young playwright is becoming increasingly rare. Theatre needs to do two distinct things. One, give those young talents time to write, and produce, new work; and two, revere the greatest works of our past in the way they deserve. They're classics for a reason – and half-baked attempts to make them appealing to modern audiences will only put off the new generation that British theatres need in order to thrive.
Daily Mail
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Ewan McGregor links arms with newly blonde wife Mary Elizabeth Winstead as they depart his West End show My Master Builder
Ewan McGregor linked arms with his wife Mary Elizabeth Winstead as they left the opening night of his new West End play My Master Builder. The actor, 54, cut a casual figure as he left the theatre, sporting a dark grey jacket along with black jeans and a white T-shirt. Mary Elizabeth turned heads in a lime green midi dress with a low cut neckline which she wore with gold heels. The actress showed off her dyed blonde locks for the evening and added to her look with a simple silver necklace. Ewan and Mary Elizabeth fell in love on screen and off when they first met on the set of the FX series Fargo in 2016, when they both joined the cast for season three, playing each other's love interests. At the time of the shoot, McGregor was still married to Eve Mavrakis, and Winstead was married to Riley Stearns. The actor, 54, cut a casual figure as he left the theatre, sporting a dark grey jacket along with black jeans and a white T-shirt But eventually, both of their marriages ended and the co-stars began dating soon afterwards. They worked with each other again on the superhero film film Birds Of Prey (2020), which is based on the DC Comics team the Birds of Prey. The couple welcomed their first child together, a son named Laurie in June 2021, after nearly four years of dating. Also in attendance on opening night was Rosamund Pike who stepped out to support Elizabeth Debicki who also stars in the show. The Hollywood star, 46, turned heads in a black pinstripe suit, paired with a sleek black satin shirt. She teamed her stylish ensemble with classic black pointed heels and carried a black handbag. The beauty shielded her eyes with tortoise shell sunglasses and accessoried with dainty pearl drop earrings. Meanwhile, Elizabeth, 34, showcased her quirky sense of style in a black and white playsuit. Ewan and Mary Elizabeth fell in love on screen and off when they first met on the set of the FX series Fargo in 2016 Directed by Michael Grandage, My Master Builder is playing at the Wyndham's Theatre in London from April 29 to July 12. The cast all appeared in high spirits as they posed for snaps together on the red carpet. Directed by Michael Grandage, My Master Builder is playing at the Wyndham's Theatre in London from April 29 to July 12. The new play is set on the eve of Independence Day in the Hamptons. It follows Elena Solness, a publishing magnate, and her architect husband, Henry, as their marriage is disrupted by the arrival of Mathilde - a former student of Henry's with whom he once shared a deep connection. It explores themes of love and vulnerability and draws inspiration from Ibsen. Rosamund's outing comes just the day after she put on a very quirky display in furry Simone Rocha heels to attend the Hallow Road UK special screening in London. The actress, who stars alongside Matthew Rhys as the lead in the new thriller flick, commanded attention in a bright red floor-length dress. Rosamund's outfit was recently seen on Simone Rocha's Fall 2025 Ready to wear runway and featured a chunky dark metal chain and padlock. The garment featured a ruffled neckline which created an oversized cap sleeve design over her shoulders. But it was her shows which caught the most attention as she graced the red carpet in Mary Janes, which were covered in brown fur. She kept the accessories to a minimum and opted for a pair of large grey flower earrings and wore a bright red lip colour. The film sees two parents enter a race against time when they receive a distressing late-night phone call from their daughter after she caused a tragic car accident. Jumping in their car, they race to get there before anyone else stumbles across the scene. As they head deeper into the night, disturbing revelations threaten to tear the family apart. It is set to be released in the United Kingdom and Ireland by Universal Pictures on 16 May 2025. The actress recently opened up about overcoming self-judgment, the power of storytelling and even her romantic side in a recent interview. Rosamund - who played iconic personalities as physicist Marie Curie and journalist Marie Colvin - detailed the often 'traumatic' process of playing real life character. 'I've played a lot of real people, and that can be traumatic – going deep into someone's soul to try and portray them honestly and live their life more than your own,' she told PORTER. 'I need to step away from the cauldron, as it were. I need to go back to reality.' Flaunting an array of impressive biopic roles throughout the years, the English star said about balancing a hectic schedule: 'I'm longing for time to be idle at the moment.' Yet, the Golden Globe winner admitted she is keen to shift into comedy, adding: 'I'm so romantic. 'I'm excitable, and I love to laugh, but I convince in the dramatic, serious roles. People don't see the girlishness in me.'
Daily Mail
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Rosamund Pike looks effortlessly chic in a black pinstripe suit as she supports Elizabeth Debicki at opening of her West End show My Master Builder
Rosamund Pike looked effortlessly chic as she stepped out to support Elizabeth Debicki at the opening night of her West End show My Master Builder on Tuesday. The Hollywood star, 46, turned heads in a black pinstripe suit, paired with a sleek black satin shirt. She teamed her stylish ensemble with classic black pointed heels and carried a black handbag. The beauty shielded her eyes with tortoise shell sunglasses and accessoried with dainty pearl drop earrings. Meanwhile, Elizabeth, 34, showcased her quirky sense of style in a black and white playsuit. She was joined by her co-stars David Ajala, Mirren Mack, Ewan McGregor, and Kate Fleetwood. Rosamund Pike (left) looked effortlessly chic as she stepped out to support Elizabeth Debicki (right) at the opening night of her West End show My Master Builder on Tuesday The cast all appeared in high spirits as they posed for snaps together on the red carpet. Also in attendance was James Norton, Lila Raicek, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and Anthony Welsh. Directed by Michael Grandage, My Master Builder is playing at the Wyndham's Theatre in London from April 29 to July 12. The new play is set on the eve of Independence Day in the Hamptons. It follows Elena Solness, a publishing magnate, and her architect husband, Henry, as their marriage is disrupted by the arrival of Mathilde - a former student of Henry's with whom he once shared a deep connection. It explores themes of love and vulnerability and draws inspiration from Ibsen. Rosamund's outing comes just the day after she put on a very quirky display in furry Simone Rocha heels to attend the Hallow Road UK special screening in London. The actress, who stars alongside Matthew Rhys as the lead in the new thriller flick, commanded attention in a bright red floor-length dress. Rosamund's outfit was recently seen on Simone Rocha's Fall 2025 Ready to wear runway and featured a chunky dark metal chain and padlock. The garment featured a ruffled neckline which created an oversized cap sleeve design over her shoulders. But it was her shows which caught the most attention as she graced the red carpet in Mary Janes, which were covered in brown fur. She kept the accessories to a minimum and opted for a pair of large grey flower earrings and wore a bright red lip colour. The film sees two parents enter a race against time when they receive a distressing late-night phone call from their daughter after she caused a tragic car accident. Jumping in their car, they race to get there before anyone else stumbles across the scene. As they head deeper into the night, disturbing revelations threaten to tear the family apart. It is set to be released in the United Kingdom and Ireland by Universal Pictures on 16 May 2025. The actress recently opened up about overcoming self-judgment, the power of storytelling and even her romantic side in a recent interview. Rosamund - who played iconic personalities as physicist Marie Curie and journalist Marie Colvin - detailed the often 'traumatic' process of playing real life character. 'I've played a lot of real people, and that can be traumatic – going deep into someone's soul to try and portray them honestly and live their life more than your own,' she told PORTER. 'I need to step away from the cauldron, as it were. I need to go back to reality.' Flaunting an array of impressive biopic roles throughout the years, the English star said about balancing a hectic schedule: 'I'm longing for time to be idle at the moment.' Yet, the Golden Globe winner admitted she is keen to shift into comedy, adding: 'I'm so romantic. 'I'm excitable, and I love to laugh, but I convince in the dramatic, serious roles. People don't see the girlishness in me.'
Saudi Gazette
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Saudi Gazette
Ncuti Gatwa cast as Elizabethan playwright Marlowe
LONDON — Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa has been cast in a new play as Elizabethan playwright Christopher Marlowe, the Royal Shakespeare Company has announced. Born With Teeth will explore the relationship between a 27-year-old Marlowe and rising star William Shakespeare, as they are forced to work together on a new piece of work. Gatwa said he was "so excited" to be appearing in the play, which he said was "like no version of Shakespeare and Marlowe that I've ever seen before". Shakespeare will be portrayed by Edward Bluemel, who has starred in Killing Eve, A Discovery of Witches, and alongside Gatwa in Sex Education. The show will play for 11 weeks at the Wyndham's Theatre from 13 August. Born With Teeth, written Liz Duffy Adams, will take an "irreverent" look at the "high-octane world of two of the theatre's greatest literary icons", the RSC said. Set in the backroom of a pub in 1591, the show sees Marlowe and Shakespeare forced to come together across three secret meetings to collaborate on a new play. It's a dangerous time for artists in England, a country rife with paranoia where spies are everywhere, and as the rivals duel with each other, they become increasingly tempted by the idea of betrayal. The play premiered in Houston in 2022 and has since been performed around the US in Oregon, California and Florida, but this will mark its West End debut. The UK production will be directed by Daniel Evans, whose previous stage credits include a production of American Buffalo starring Damian Lewis and John Goodman, and the James Graham play Quiz, about the Who Wants To Be A Millionaire coughing scandal. In a statement, Bluemel said he felt "incredibly proud and excited" to be working with Gatwa and Evans. "To be stepping into the shoes of a young William Shakespeare is a huge thrill for any actor and I can't wait to get started," he said. "When I read Liz Duffy Adams' script, I was instantly drawn into the high-stakes world of these two rival playwrights and the incredible, creative chemistry they share. "There's a real freshness and vitality to Liz's writing that speaks directly to our world, and I can't wait for West End audiences to experience it for the first time." Gatwa said: "Liz Duffy Adams has written an exceptional play that is smart, dark, sexy, sharp and funny! There's a lot to get one's teeth into. "This is like no version of Shakespeare and Marlowe that I've ever seen before, and I can't wait for audiences to join us for the ride". In a review after the play's Texas premiere, Broadway World's Christian Gill said: "It's one part fan fiction, one part examination of egos, and another part commentary of the destructive capabilities of societal expectations. "We spend ninety minutes watching a game between the best writers of their time." Rohan Preston of the Minnesota Star Tribune added: "The play cuts to the bone as Kit and Will trade barbs, ambitions and, ultimately, places in a history play that rewrites our understanding of these two figures." Gatwa got his breakthrough role playing Eric in Netflix's Sex Education and has also appeared in Barbie. He was cast in Doctor Who in 2022, taking over the lead role from Jodie Whittaker. His second season as the Doctor due to begin airing this weekend. Gatwa's casting in Born With Teeth comes after unconfirmed reports that he is set to leave Doctor Who, and that the show may be facing the axe. Neither Gatwa, the BBC or Disney+ have commented on the reports. — BBC
BBC News
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa cast as Christopher Marlowe in play about Shakespeare rivalry
Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa has been cast in a new play as Elizabethan playwright Christopher Marlowe, the Royal Shakespeare Company has With Teeth will explore the relationship between a 27-year-old Marlowe and rising star William Shakespeare, as they are forced to work together on a new piece of said he was "so excited" to be appearing in the play, which he said was "like no version of Shakespeare and Marlowe that I've ever seen before".Shakespeare will be portrayed by Edward Bluemel, who has starred in Killing Eve, A Discovery of Witches, and alongside Gatwa in Sex Education. The show will play for 11 weeks at the Wyndham's Theatre from 13 August. Born With Teeth, written Liz Duffy Adams, will take an "irreverent" look at the "high-octane world of two of the theatre's greatest literary icons", the RSC in the backroom of a pub in 1591, the show sees Marlowe and Shakespeare forced to come together across three secret meetings to collaborate on a new a dangerous time for artists in England, a country rife with paranoia where spies are everywhere, and as the rivals duel with each other, they become increasingly tempted by the idea of play premiered in Houston in 2022 and has since been performed around the US in Oregon, California and Florida, but this will mark its West End UK production will be directed by Daniel Evans, whose previous stage credits include a production of American Buffalo starring Damian Lewis and John Goodman, and the James Graham play Quiz, about the Who Wants To Be A Millionaire coughing scandal. In a statement, Bluemel said he felt "incredibly proud and excited" to be working with Gatwa and Evans. "To be stepping into the shoes of a young William Shakespeare is a huge thrill for any actor and I can't wait to get started," he said."When I read Liz Duffy Adams' script, I was instantly drawn into the high-stakes world of these two rival playwrights and the incredible, creative chemistry they share. "There's a real freshness and vitality to Liz's writing that speaks directly to our world, and I can't wait for West End audiences to experience it for the first time."Gatwa said: "Liz Duffy Adams has written an exceptional play that is smart, dark, sexy, sharp and funny! There's a lot to get one's teeth into. "This is like no version of Shakespeare and Marlowe that I've ever seen before, and I can't wait for audiences to join us for the ride". In a review after the play's Texas premiere, Broadway World's Christian Gill said: "It's one part fan fiction, one part examination of egos, and another part commentary of the destructive capabilities of societal expectations. "We spend ninety minutes watching a game between the best writers of their time."Rohan Preston of the Minnesota Star Tribune added: "The play cuts to the bone as Kit and Will trade barbs, ambitions and, ultimately, places in a history play that rewrites our understanding of these two figures."Gatwa got his breakthrough role playing Eric in Netflix's Sex Education and has also appeared in Barbie. He was cast in Doctor Who in 2022, taking over the lead role from Jodie Whittaker. His second season as the Doctor due to begin airing this casting in Born With Teeth comes after unconfirmed reports that he is set to leave Doctor Who, and that the show may be facing the axe. Neither Gatwa, the BBC or Disney+ have commented on the reports.
