Forget everything you thought you knew about Shakespeare's history plays. The Almeida Theatre's audacious new production, simply titled Romans, is a theatrical event of seismic proportions, masterfully condensing the Bard's epic Roman trilogy into a single, blistering narrative of power, betrayal, and the corrosive nature of politics.
Directed with visionary precision, this is not a mere stitching together of Julius Caesar, Antony and Cleopatra, and Coriolanus. It is a complete reimagining, a seven-hour theatrical marathon that feels startlingly contemporary. The production holds a dark mirror up to our current political landscape, exposing the universal and timeless rot that follows the pursuit of absolute power.
A Triumph of Directorial Ambition
The genius of this production lies in its seamless flow. Characters and themes from one play bleed into the next, creating a powerful through-line that argues these stories were always one grand, tragic saga. The political manoeuvring in the Senate of Rome feels directly connected to the battlefield heroics and the sensual decadence of Egypt, all part of the same inevitable cycle of rise and fall.
The set design is a character in itself—minimalist, stark, and versatile, reflecting the brutalist architecture of power. It transforms from the marble halls of Rome to the dusty plains of battle with effortless, cinematic grace, ensuring the focus remains firmly on the psychological drama of its characters.
Standout Performances in a Stellar Cast
The ensemble cast is nothing short of magnificent, delivering powerhouse performances that sustain the immense emotional and physical demand of the production.
- Ben Allen's Cassius is a revelation—a lean, intense and politically cunning figure whose whispered conspiracies send shivers down the spine.
- Zoe Aldrich's Cleopatra is a commanding force of nature, capturing the Egyptian queen's mercurial shifts from playful seductress to a grief-stricken ruler of devastating power and agency.
- The entire company operates as a flawless, cohesive unit, their chemistry and precision elevating the production from a mere play to an immersive experience.
Shakespeare's Timeless Warning
What makes Romans truly unforgettable is its profound resonance. The questions it poses are chillingly modern: How does a republic die? What happens when ideology replaces reason? How easily are the masses manipulated by rhetoric? The play’s exploration of flawed leadership, public violence, and the fragility of democracy feels ripped from today's headlines, proving Shakespeare’s enduring relevance.
This is more than a night at the theatre; it is a monumental achievement in modern staging. A demanding, exhilarating, and ultimately devastating examination of the human cost of politics. For any serious theatregoer, it is utterly unmissable.
Romans is now playing at the Almeida Theatre, London. Booking is highly recommended for this critically acclaimed sell-out hit.
