The Truth at Apollo Theatre Review
Photo by Johan Persson
Written by Eleanor B for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review. All views are our own
This well-loved play is making its West End revival at the Apollo Theatre after 10 years.
Starring Stephen Mangan as Michel, Ardal O’Hanlon as Paul, Sarah Hadland as Alice and Janie Dee as Laurence, this cast of incredibly well-known actors from stage and screen had a lot to live up to, and it absolutely delivered.
Set in Paris, Florian Zeller’s acclaimed play has been translated by Christopher Hampton, ensuring none of the jokes or subtle digs have been lost. At 90 minutes with no interval, and with fantastic direction from Lindsay Posner, it’s a brilliant example of a funny and engaging play that doesn’t need any additional storylines.
The Truth revolves around Michel, who is married to Laurence but having a secret affair with Alice, who also happens to be the wife of his best friend, Paul. Just a tad complicated for him!
We’re introduced to Michel and Alice in their hotel room, discussing how Alice doesn’t feel appreciated and how they don’t spend enough time together outside these quick, secret meetings.
Hadland does a fantastic job of playing the role of a frustrated but somewhat guilt-ridden wife and mistress, while I found myself becoming slightly frustrated with Mangan’s character, although I think that was the point. The repeated “What?” after each of Alice’s sentences, as if he wasn’t fully listening to what she was saying, went on for just a touch too long. I understood the joke, but it definitely didn’t need to be repeated quite as many times in each scene as it was.
O’Hanlon, playing Paul, Alice’s husband, and Dee, playing Laurence, Michel’s wife, are introduced slightly later and are seamlessly integrated into the story. Dee perfectly portrays the slightly suspicious wife. She asks questions in exactly the right way, never sounding too accusatory, but enough to make it clear she knows something is going on.
The set for this show, designed by Lizzie Clachan, is fantastic. A table and chairs remain on stage throughout, while various walls and other set pieces, including a bed, move around to reveal different rooms. It feels effortless, but clearly requires incredibly precise planning to achieve such seamless transitions between scenes.
Another element that helps transition between scenes is the titles projected above the stage during each blackout. Consisting of just two or three words, they clearly set the scene for what’s to come. The lighting design, by Richard Howell, complements these transitions well.
The first half of the show can feel a touch slow at times, but as it progresses towards its final moments, the tension steadily builds. It becomes much more dramatic and edge-of-your-seat, leaving you waiting to see exactly how long Michel can keep all of his lies from catching up with him.
With plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, a touch of second-hand embarrassment and some absolutely fabulous acting, this is a great way to spend an evening.
The Truth plays at the Apollo Theatre until 12th September.
★★★★
