By Ben Lerner
One might think a new play based on an Ancient Greek myth would offer thought-provoking modernizations and great performances, but perhaps not too much shock value. One would be mistaken, at least when it comes to the brilliant transfer of the West End’s hit Olivier-winning production of Oedipus, which opened on Broadway on November 13 at Studio 54.
This Oedipus, adapted and directed by Robert Icke and set in the modern world of politics, uses almost entirely new language, while remaining faithful to the infamous dramatic plot points of Sophocles’ play — though they’re revealed differently through an original narrative. The character names are the same and the text displayed on screens is in Greek, though the all-British cast suggests the election occurs in the UK.
Beyond these names and motifs, Icke crafts a new, hyper-realistic political and familial drama in real time, set over two uninterrupted hours before the results of an election. Here, Oedipus (Mark Strong) is in his campaign headquarters on the precipice of victory, surrounded by his family and staff. These include his wife Jocasta (Lesley Manville), his mother Merope (Anne Reid, spectacular at age 90!), his brother-in-law/campaign manager Creon (John Carroll Lynch), and his children Eteocles, Polyneices, and Antigone (Jordan Scowen, James Wilbraham, and Olivia Reis, respectively).
The horrifying plot twists, which I won’t describe here but are well-known to most — through the original play, Shakespeare’s version, or the corresponding Freudian psychological concepts — are inevitable, yet they hit Studio 54 with such force most of the audience leaves stunned into a silent daze. This is a testament to Icke’s writing and direction and the haunting lead performances by Strong and Manville. Both are Tony-worthy, but at the very least, Manville should be a lock to win Best Actress in a Play, as she did for this role earlier this year at the Olivier Awards.
Strong and Manville are both veterans of West End theatre perhaps more familiar to American audiences for their onscreen work — Strong for films such as Kingsman, Zero Dark Thirty and Sherlock Holmes, and Manville for her Oscar-nominated performance in Phantom Thread and Emmy-nominated role as Princess Margaret in The Crown. In Oedipus, they both reach new dramatic heights, telling their characters’ tragic tales with nuance, raw emotion, and even humor. The audience laughs before it gasps, transfixed from its start to its stunning finish.
What transpires in between is edge-of-your-seat drama that is salacious (naturally), but also deeply devastating when set in this modern context. I left simultaneously horrified, heartbroken, and awestruck. It’s a tragedy in every sense of the word, and one that anyone who appreciates top-tier stage acting and playwriting should not miss. (Except children. Don’t bring them!)
Oedipus will shock you, sicken you, and sadden you — and it will stick with you in a way most new plays cannot. Witness it at Studio 54 now through February 8, 2026. Tickets at https://oedipustheplay.com/