Arcadia

Arcadia at the Old Vic is more than a fitting tribute to the recently demised Tom Stoppard it is a theatrical experience to treasure, a dazzling fusion of intellect, emotion and beautifully realised performances. Under the assured direction of Carrie Cracknell this revival feels fresh, vibrant and deeply engaging from the very start.

Every actor in this remarkable ensemble brings rich texture to Stoppard’s richly layered colliding worlds. Isis Hainsworth’s brilliant and spirited portrayal of Thomasina Coverly sparkles with youthful curiosity, and alongside Sheamus Dillane, who gives a charismatic and nuanced take on her tutor, Septimus Hodge. Together their touching relationship encircles the stage from the start. As Lady Croom, Fiona Button is superb, balancing wit with strong emotional depth. However, most impressive is Prasanna Puwanarajah as the usurper come scholar Bernard Nightingale who adds fresh thoughtful energy and a surprising amount of humour to the modern timeline the play. The chemistry across the entire cast is ever present and creates a richly textured ensemble that has you totally enthralled for its 170 minute running time. Perfectly driving both the comedy and the poignancy of the piece.

Cracknell’s staging on designer Alex Eales clever concentric revolving set brilliantly navigates the play’s famously intricate structure, seamlessly weaving the 19th Century and the modern. And placing it in-the-round concentrates on the words and actions without any unnecessary distractions. Every scene feels alive and purposeful, from the often-witty explorations of mathematics and landscape gardening to the play’s deeper reflections on love, loss and the search for the truth. Smart, thought-provoking and endlessly entertaining, this Arcadia is a triumph and a must see for lovers of theatre and Stoppard’s genius alike.

A production that truly defines what theatre is.


Photo credit: Manuel Harlan