Final Chapter of Eldridge's Trilogy Arrives at National Theatre
David Eldridge's acclaimed trilogy of plays exploring modern relationships reaches its poignant conclusion with End at the Dorfman Theatre. This production marks a significant moment for the National Theatre, appearing during Rufus Norris's final season as artistic director. The two-hander features acclaimed actors Clive Owen and Saskia Reeves as a couple confronting mortality.
A Story of Love and Terminal Illness
The play opens with Alfie (Clive Owen), a former acid house DJ in his 50s, receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis. His partner Julie (Saskia Reeves), a successful novelist, must navigate the difficult conversations that follow this devastating news. The couple, originally from Essex but now living in north London, find themselves grappling with fundamental disagreements about treatment and legacy.
Alfie wants to stop chemotherapy and be buried in his hometown of Brentwood, while Julie desperately wants him to continue fighting for the sake of their family. The entire play unfolds in real time in their kitchen, over a pot of tea that remains undrunk, creating an intimate and raw atmosphere.
Powerful Performances Anchor Emotional Drama
Both actors deliver searing performances that capture the complexity of their characters' situation. Clive Owen portrays Alfie's physical pain through stiff movements on crutches, while conveying deep emotional turmoil through facial expressions. Saskia Reeves presents Julie as a woman trying to maintain strength while witnessing her partner's decline.
Director Rachel O'Riordan skillfully manages the challenging script, balancing moments of intense conversation with pools of silence. The production incorporates snippets of music and occasional dance that evoke Alfie's DJ past and the hedonistic acid house scene he once dominated.
The play runs at the Dorfman theatre until 17 January, offering audiences a mature, bittersweet reflection on love in the face of death. Despite the bleak subject matter, the production finds moments of tenderness, warmth and gallows humour, creating a deeply moving theatrical experience.
