The Wanderers at Marylebone Theatre Review
Written by Eleanor V for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Anna Ziegler’s The Wanderers had its first critically acclaimed run in New York in 2023 and is now making its UK debut at Marylebone Theatre. This dramatic play follows several chapters in the lives of two couples as they navigate life together – with all the challenges this kind of commitment entails. Ester and Schmuli struggle within an arranged marriage as strict Orthodox Jews, with religious and societal pressures. In contrast, Abe and Sophie are two authors who instead feel pressure from their work and family life. Although Ziegler first highlights the differences between these two pairs, we come to understand the common threads and issues many adults face.
This show is beautifully written, directed and produced. All design elements elevate the text and create an intimate atmosphere within the theatre. The script is impactful and meaningful, without being overly dramatic, with acting performances which drew me in.
Zeigler’s book is very relatable and never boring, as it elevates realistic issues faced by couples without ever becoming too improbable. Her writing allows for comedy and is balanced well by the more emotive. This text is then elevated further by Igor Golyak’s direction, drawing out the highlights of the text even further. I very much enjoyed this production’s limited use of props, with a large clear screen being used to convey a sense of place, physical elements and to keep track of the story. The actors would take a white marker and use this to draw during transitions or scenes to give impact. I particularly liked how laptops were drawn and used whenever Abe and Julia were messaging each other. But there were some moments which overstepped and seemed to be more for drama and effect rather than being deeply linked with the story.
I found myself most emotionally connected with the relationship between Schmuli (Eddie Toll) and Ester (Katerina Tannenbaum). Their first meeting is comical and conveyed a degree of warmth. But as she starts to stray, there is a dramatic moment as their family life suddenly changes. This was very well acted. The way this plays out from Ester’s perspective is fairly well fleshed out, but I would have liked to see more from Schmuli to understand his actions and his influences further.
Their story is connected to the modern day through the character of Abe (Alex Forsyth). Alex and Paksie Vernon, as his wife Sophie, also have fairly good chemistry. I did get the sense that they had been in a relationship for a long time. Their outbursts appeared very genuine and I did feel for their struggles. But similarly to the other characters, I didn’t connect with them on the deep emotional level the plot maybe needed. After their big revelation their relationship could have been explored in more depth, potentially giving the play a more meaningful conclusion.
The third facet to The Wanderers comes from Anna Popplewell as Julia; a celebrity who Abe is enamoured by. I loved how Anna moved around the space, quietly appearing and quickly disappearing on stage. It was here that the lack of in-depth knowledge about her character really worked, remaining almost mystical and idealised.
Overall, The Wanderers delivers a thoughtful plot with clever design elements. It offers a window into the lives of normal people and the struggles commitment can bring. Although beautifully written, the story does lack some emotional impact, which left me slightly unsatisfied in places.
The Wanderers is playing at Marylebone Theatre from the 17th October 2025 – 29th November 2025.
★★★★
