Reviewed by Mark
Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review
Poet, soldier, and philosopher, Cyrano de Bergerac is a character who ignites the stage with dazzling brilliance. With a fierce sense of humour and a heart steeped in romance, he captivates and impresses, yet behind this vibrant façade lies a deep-seated struggle: the burden of his nose.
 |
| Adrian Lester as Cyrano. Photo by Marc Brenner |
As he grapples with his insecurities, Cyrano finds himself in the shadows, quietly adoring the beautiful Roxane, who seems just out of reach. Her heart, however, is drawn to the handsome Christian, a young man whose own struggle lies in his inability to express his feelings. To win Roxane’s affection, he must rely on words, and it is Cyrano who possesses the eloquence needed to breathe life into Christian’s affections.
This mesmerising new adaptation of the classic play is directed by the talented Simon Evans who co-adapts alongside rising-star Debris Stevenson. Evans and Stevenson revitalise this timeless story of love, deception, and the pursuit of true identity with a modern flair whilst sticking to the period of the piece. The piece sweeps by with a real lyrical flow that moves and enchants at every turn. It feels as if ever sentence has been written with care and thought.
Right from the opening scene you are completely drawn in as an audience member. It opens with a young child version of Cyrano alongside an instantly likeable Christian Patterson as Ragueneau. This fantastical opening then unfurls into the theatre scene which really sets the tone for the evening. The poetry mixes with swashbuckling sword fighting.
Making his RSC debut in the titular role is Adrian Lester and in an already outstanding career this feels like another real standout. This is a masterclass in performance. You are compelled by Lester's every emotion. His pours feeling into every look and glance whilst also having a terrific comedic flair which delivers big laughs.
Underneath any sort of exterior Lester showcases his genius lies in the feeling he gives the character. He perfectly pitches the role with layered vulnerability. You root for him, you believe in him, you feel his attraction to Susannah Fielding's sweet Roxane. Fielding herself is utterly gorgeous throughout.
 |
| Susannah Fielding (Roxane) and Levi Brown (Christian). Photo by Marc Brenner. |
Once Cyrano begins to hide his own feelings in order to match together the stumbling Christian, a well rounded performance by Levi Brown, you can sense the heart he puts into helping the pair out whilst gaining a real sense of Cyrano is feeling himself. As the play moves on those emotions only become more powerful and moving.
Brown doesn't make his Christian completely dumbstruck or stupid, there is more a naivety to not knowing how to express the words he wants to say. He is swept up by Roxane and Roxane swept up by him. There's lovely work by Brown and Fielding as they try to express feelings. The wooing scene is handled brilliantly by the trio with both hilarity and heart.
The second act is undoubtedly more gritty as the Reserves are sent to the front line by the Comte de Guiche, superbly played by Scott Handy, this ramps up the emotional stakes and the final 20 minutes are as heartfelt as any you'll see on stage as Cyrano and Roxane connect once more, truths unfurl and every bit of feeling is ebbed out of the powerful moments. You will need tissues. Even the strongest of hearts will thaw.
Visually it's a spectacle with Grace Smart's costumes and sets pair well with Joshie Harriette compelling lighting with tonally aids the feelings of the characters. The tone is set different especially in the second act. Throughout though there is great intelligence to the piece. It never for one second loses its way.
The outstanding company all excel in their roles, including the actor-musicians who make up Cyrano's band. Alex Baranowski's score is beautiful with an ethereal quality. There's lovely work by all but Fielding and Lester lead the company with real skill.
As you exit the theatre you're completely swept up by the emotional connection and the journey of the play. The deep connection and longing that we all desire is superbly captured by Evans, Stevenson and the company. The RSC's crowning glory in a strong year. Truly unmissable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cyrano De Bergerac runs at the Swan Theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon until Saturday 15th November 2025. Tickets are available from https://www.rsc.org.uk/
 |
| The company. Photo by Marc Brenner. |
Post a Comment