Interview: James Wilbraham, Oedipus

Heading to the West End this autumn is a brand new production of Oedipus, adapted by Robert Icke. The production which stars Mark Strong and Lesley Manville reimagines another Ancient Greek tragedy, bringing the secrets of the past bursting into the present. Ahead of its run, we spoke with James Wilbraham who will be making his West End debut in the production as Polyneices.

James Wilbraham headshot.

Congratulations on your West End debut! How does it feel to be making your debut in such an exciting production and how are you preparing for this milestone?

Thank you so much! It feels surreal, to be honest. The West End is such a landmark for any actor, and it’s an absolute thrill to be making my debut in such an exciting production. Working with Mark Strong, Lesley Manville and a whole company that are just top class has been amazing. Preparing for this role has involved not just digging into the text, but also learning from this very talented company.

Robert Icke’s productions are known for their contemporary and innovative approaches to classic works. How has his direction shaped the portrayal of your character in Oedipus?

Rob’s direction is really refreshing. From day one he encouraged us to strip away the preconceived notions of these ancient characters and approach them as real, complex human beings. He has transformed Oedipus into something so relevant to today’s world, and that’s really shaped how I approach Polyneices. In this version, Polyneices is navigating the complicated world of politics, family, and legacy and how it affects his identity—so I’ve had to think of him as both a son and a public figure, trying to find his own path under the shadow of his family’s inevitability.

What drew you to wanting to be a part of this production and have you discovered any personal connections to the character you’re playing?

I’ll be honest, I was a bit intimidated by Greek tragedy at first, but this version is so accessible while still holding onto the original, which I think will make for a really satisfying watch. Polyneices, as Oedipus’ son, has such an interesting story. I connect with the idea of trying to make your own mark—his journey is one of searching for identity and purpose, which feels very human and relatable.

What has been the most challenging part of developing this production so far, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge has been capturing the deeper dynamic between Polyneices and his family, especially in a political setting. There’s a lot at stake for him, both personally and publicly. 

How do you think Robert Icke’s production has stayed true to the classical elements of the play while embracing the modern elements?

Rob has stayed true to the core themes of power, fate, and family, while placing them in a modern political context, which makes everything feel incredibly urgent. The classical tension between family and fate is still there, but now it’s set against the backdrop of a high-stakes election, which gives the story a fresh, contemporary feel but also just adds more ingredients to the simmering pot.

Can you share a memorable moment from rehearsals, whether it was a breakthrough in your character development or a moment of collaboration with the cast?

I always love seeing the models of the set. The detail and work that goes into them is honestly so impressive. When the team brought it in it really felt real. 

What do you hope audiences take away from this particular staging of Oedipus, and how does it resonate with current societal themes?

I think people will find a lot of resonance in Oedipus’ struggle in searching for the truth,  and it might make them question why we always feel the need to dig deeper, even if it leads to the dark. I hope audiences feel like they’re really in the thick of it with us, and leave with the thought “What if?”.

How do you feel your background in theatre and past roles have prepared you for this significant step in your career?

Most of my past roles have been in television, so while the skill sets are a bit different, there’s a lot that still translates. What’s really elevated this experience for me has been the cast and production team. From Rob’s direction to the amazing crew, everyone has created such a collaborative and supportive environment. It’s honestly been a joy to come to work every day. 

Looking ahead, what do you hope this West End experience will lead to in terms of future roles and projects?

I’m excited to see what’s next! This experience has been very fulfilling, especially working on such a fresh, modern adaptation of a classic. It’s been stimulating to explore timeless themes in a contemporary setting, and it’s definitely sparked my interest in more modern reimaginings of classic works. I’d love to continue working on projects that push boundaries and challenge me creatively, whether in theatre, film, or TV.

Finally, why should people book their tickets to see Oedipus?

This production is thrilling. Rob’s modern take on the story makes it feel so relevant, and the performances from Mark, Lesley & the entire cast are just incredible. It’s gripping, thought-provoking right to the very last minute. Don’t miss it!

Watch James Wilbraham in Oedipus at the Wyndham’s Theatre for a limited run from 4 October 2024.