• Review For Us
    • In London or across the UK
    • at Edinburgh Fringe
  • List Your Show
  • Advertising
  • Musicals
  • Plays
  • Ballet & Dance
  • Previews
  • First Look
Theatre Weekly
  • Home
  • News
    • West End
    • Off-West End
    • Regional & Tours
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • Digital Theatre
  • Edinburgh Fringe
    • Edinburgh Fringe News
  • Tickets
    • Discounts
    • Musicals
    • Plays
    • Opera
    • Dance
    • Concerts
  • Contact Us
    • Join us as a Reviewer
No Result
View All Result
Theatre Weekly
  • Home
  • News
    • West End
    • Off-West End
    • Regional & Tours
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • Digital Theatre
  • Edinburgh Fringe
    • Edinburgh Fringe News
  • Tickets
    • Discounts
    • Musicals
    • Plays
    • Opera
    • Dance
    • Concerts
  • Contact Us
    • Join us as a Reviewer
No Result
View All Result
Theatre Weekly
No Result
View All Result
Home Reviews
Lucy Ellinson and Lenny Henry in The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui at the Donmar Warehouse CREDIT HELEN MAYBANKS

Lucy Ellinson and Lenny Henry in The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui at the Donmar Warehouse CREDIT HELEN MAYBANKS

Review: The Resistable Rise of Arturo Ui at Donmar Warehouse

by Staff Writer
May 2, 2017
Reading Time: 3 mins read

Four Star Review from Theatre Weekly

Following a tumultuous 2016, there seems like no better time for Bertolt Brecht’s The Resistable Rise of Arturo Ui to make a return to the London stage.  The production, adapted by Bruce Norris, sees the Donmar Warehouse transformed into a Chicago speakeasy where an opening monologue essentially tells the audience what’s about to happen, allowing more focus on the message than plot.

That message is hammered home with force, if you were expecting subtle you’ll be disappointed; it’s immediately obvious this production is a satirical allegory on Donald Trump, with a little Adolf Hitler (the original subject of the play) thrown in.  All that was missing was Hilary Clinton riding through the Donmar on the back of a donkey.

       

The play charts the rise of the titular character and demagogue, Arturo Ui, a Chicago gangster who takes over the Cauliflower racket using intimidation to change public perception.  What’s particularly clever is the use of audience interaction and how we were quite literally scared into submission.

Lenny Henry, in the role of Ui, gives a strong performance, though it was perhaps a little less intimidating than I expected.  Tom Edden and Giles Terera also give captivating performances, but there’s a recurring problem amongst the cast; there are few of them who actually seem to fit the role they’ve been given.  Perhaps there’s some form of irony intended that I didn’t grasp but did, instead, find it distracting.

You mightalso like

Donmar Warehouse Henny Finch and Tim Sheader pic by Helen Murray (1)

Tim Sheader Appointed As New Artistic Director Of The Donmar Warehouse

Cast of Henry V

Full Casting For Schools’ Tour of William Shakespeare’s Henry V

There are a couple of standout scenes, for example, when Ui hires an actor (the drunken Shakespearian sort) to train him how to walk, talk and carry himself.  We see Henry’s Ui literally transform on stage as the hack takes him through a comedic, but all too realistic, routine.

There’s also some unconventional use of modern music between scenes, all slowed down to give it a sensual and seductive feel, it’s probably the first time American rock band My Chemical Romance has featured in a production at this venue, yet it fits perfectly in the scene.

The Resistable Rise of Arturo Ui is a chilling parable, which in this production at least, is particularly revealing, especially as we race towards another election.  It has been staged beautifully, the use of audience interaction and music definitely gives it an edge and the transformation of The Donmar Warehouse adds an extra layer of authenticity. Despite some distractions with casting this is still a thrilling night of epic theatre.

 

1 of 2
- +
Lucy Ellinson and Lenny Henry in The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui at the Donmar Warehouse CREDIT HELEN MAYBANKS
Tom Edden and Lenny Henry in The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui CREDIT HELEN MAYBANKS
ADVERTISEMENT

1. Lucy Ellinson and Lenny Henry in The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui at the Donmar Warehouse CREDIT HELEN MAYBANKS

Lucy Ellinson and Lenny Henry in The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui at the Donmar Warehouse CREDIT HELEN MAYBANKS

       

2. Tom Edden and Lenny Henry in The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui CREDIT HELEN MAYBANKS

Tom Edden and Lenny Henry in The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui CREDIT HELEN MAYBANKS

Staff Writer

Staff Writer

At Theatre Weekly we are dedicated to giving theatre a new audience. Our News, Reviews and Interviews are all written with the audience in mind, helping you decide what to see next. And when you have decided, our great ticket deals will help save you money too.

Related Articles

Donmar Warehouse Henny Finch and Tim Sheader pic by Helen Murray (1)
Uncategorized

Tim Sheader Appointed As New Artistic Director Of The Donmar Warehouse

Cast of Henry V
News

Full Casting For Schools’ Tour of William Shakespeare’s Henry V

Cush Jumbo will play Lady Macbeth
News

Cush Jumbo to star as Lady Macbeth at Donmar Warehouse

Cast of Crazy for You
News

Full Casting Announced as Susan Stroman’s Acclaimed Production of Crazy For You Transfers to London

Laura Rogers and Adrian Scarborough in rehearsals for WHEN WINSTON WENT TO WAR WITH THE WIRELESS Donmar photo Manuel Harlan
First Look

First Look: When Winston Went to War With The Wireless in Rehearsal

Lenny Henry in 'August in England' at Bush Theatre. Photo credit Tristram Kenton
First Look

First Look: Lenny Henry In ‘August In England’

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Twitter Facebook Youtube Instagram

At Theatre Weekly we give theatre a new audience. You'll find our theatre news, theatre reviews and theatre interviews are written from an audience point of view. Our great value London theatre tickets will get you the best deal for your theatre tickets.
Theatre Weekly, 124 City Road, London EC1V 2NX
  • Join Our Community
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us
  • Advertising

Recent News

Mrs Doubtfire The Musical at Shaftesbury Theatre credit Manuel Harlan

First Look: Mrs. Doubtfire at Shaftesbury Theatre

Lord of the Rings Cast

Cast Announced for Lord of the Rings at Watermill Theatre

© 2022 Theatre Weekly

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Tickets
  • Digital Theatre
  • News
    • West End
    • Off West End
    • Regional & Tours
    • Digital
  • Interviews
  • Reviews
  • Edinburgh Fringe
    • Edinburgh Fringe News
  • Contact Us
    • Join us as a Reviewer

© 2022 Theatre Weekly