The Lehman Trilogy at Gillian Lynne Theatre
The Lehman Trilogy is not an easy feat to produce nor to endure: this is the detailed story of one of the largest American financial companies, told over three hours running time and played by only three actors on the same rotating stage, with minimalistic props and subtle insertions of sound and music. While this premise may sound intimidating, there are many elements that make it a monument to theatre craft. In fact, it’s exactly because it’s so daunting that the resulting show astounds even more.
The backbone is Stefano Massimi’s script, masterly adapted by Ben Power: the text is an enthralling gem of storytelling. It follows the Lehman family from when the three Bavarian brothers first set foot on the land of dreams and then went on to shape their migrant success story of a financial empire, born from the cotton trade, developed into the Wall Street giant, and eventually passed through the hands of partners and outsiders.
Explaining the logic behind numbers and corporate decision-making in simple – yet never simplistic – terms, while weaving through religious beliefs and affective dynamics, the acts excite, sadden, move and entertain. The sequences bounce in ping-pong dialogues and paced reflective narratives that are descriptive like a book, conjuring full scenes through the words of the protagonists: the power of storytelling couldn’t be more eloquent than this. And it proves itself further with the avoidance of clichès: for example, the dramatic peaks are told through the lens of “ordinary” people and migrants, who must suffer the consequences of the Lehmans’ shaking up of the world.
The set design by Es Devlin is an echo to the first lines of Henry Lehman as he enters the US, calling it a magical musical box: indeed, a box of glass and wonders is the one on stage, divided into squared sections, providing a fluid 360 degrees space on a grey and pale blue palette of hues. The movements are elegantly accompanied by piano music, performed live by Yshani Perinpanayagam.
In this return of the show (which first premiered at the National Theatre in 2018, followed by a season at the Piccadilly Theatre in 2019) to the West End, the first two parts lack physical energy, and the scenes could have benefited from a more dominant stage presence. However, the third act effectively climaxes in a vibrant whirlwind of prosperities and disasters. Reflections on money, emotions and ingenious changes are the precious takeaways.
The driving force of the performance is the trio of actors: Michael Balogun, Hadley Fraser and Nigel Lindsay are cohesive and distinctive at the same time. In more than a few instances, the rolling New York accents swiftly switch to a linear English, and other highs and lows of voices are taken on to distinguish between the marvellous diversity of roles picked up and dropped by the cast. Fraser in particular delivers an exhilarating final set, mightily and funnily charging his various characters.
The Lehman Trilogy is both a theatrical accomplishment and an unforgettable tale of humanity.
Cristiana Ferrauti
Images: Mark Douet
The Lehman Trilogy is at Gillian Lynne Theatre from 24th January until 20th May 2023. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.
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