Cyrano de Bergerac at Noel Coward Theatre Review
Adrian Lester (Cyrano) in Cyrano de Bergerac (Royal Shakespeare Company) at the Noël Coward Theatre. Photo: © Marc Brenner.
Written by Annie for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review. All views are our own
It’s always a promising start when a show drums up enough noise to warrant a West End transfer, and Simon Evans and Debris Stevenson’s adaptation of Edmond Rostand’s play Cyrano de Bergerac deserves all the noise it has received and more. Having played in Stratford-upon-Avon last Autumn, play has transferred to the West End and been adapted to fit the space from the RSC’S thrust staging to a more traditional West End end-on stage.
Despite the change of layout, the play excellently transforms to suit its surroundings, as well as breaking the fourth wall and interspersing the actors around the auditorium to give a sense of the original staging - it creates excitement and more energy for the show. Rostand’s 1897 play is a work of art in every right - a tragicomedy that celebrates lyricism and wit, the staging really aids the book and brings more life into the beauty of the script.
Adrian Lester returns in the titular role - adorned with the iconic prosthetic nose - he plays Cyrano with all the wit, satire and high walls we’ve come to expect of the lead. It’s a refreshingly contemporary take on the role without modernising the character nor taking away from the original - Lester’s performance is a work of art. He understands the importance and magic of the script and speaks with such great articulation the audience is effectively swimming amongst the sea of his dulcet tones.
Evan’s take on the show feels true to the original - celebrating the poetry, in all meters and styles, as well as the cast in traditional costuming - we are transported right back into the show’s backdrop of the Franco-Spanish war. It proves the point that these classic plays are classics for a reason - and meddling with them too much can all too often leave the end product being less impactful, so it is wonderful to see a recognition of the show and its success that’s stood the test of time.
Susannah Fielding plays Cyrano’s unrequited lover Roxane with grace and humour. Fielding is a powerful and composed performer and fully embodies the character bringing a refreshing take on her. Scott Handy plays the formidable Comte de Guiche with composure and contrasts the more flamboyant takes of his counterparts well. Levi Brown plays the ditsy and simple Christian - and ensures he is hilariously oblivious to his own mind, a standout performance.
Grace Smart’s set and costume designs bring the show to life and paired with Joshie Harriette’s lighting creates a mystically impressive interpretation of the play.
This is a true triumph and London is so lucky to receive it for the summer. A classic comedy with a spellbinding cast and on stage actor-musos - what is not to love.
Cyrano de Bergerac will play at the Noel Coward until 5th September.
★★★★★