The Real Thing is one of the most compelling plays we’ve seen – review
A little context, for those unfamiliar with The Real Thing (a category which included us until earlier this week). This is a revival of the play by celebrated British playwright Tom Stoppard, most famous recently for his 2020 play Leopoldstadt, which was a hit on both the West End and Broadway, and which picked up both the Olivier Award for Best New Play and the Tony Award for Best Play.
The Real Thing is one of Stoppard’s earlier works and it’s a play in which, well, not a great deal actually happens – but don’t let that put you off, as it’s one of the most compelling pieces of theatre we’ve seen.
We’re initially introduced to Max (Oliver Johnstone) and Charlotte (Susan Wokoma) at their home. In the opening scene Max accuses Charlotte of having an affair – but all is not as it seems.
It soon transpires that we’re seeing a play within a play, a deception this show utilises more than once. We soon meet playwright Henry (James McArdle) who has written the play the pair are starring in, and who is Charlotte’s actual partner, and then actress Annie (Bel Powley) who is married to Max.
