The Lehman Trilogy at Gillian Lynne Theatre
Director Sam Mendes brings his tale of the rise and fall of one of America’s most famous financial institutions back to the West End. This marks a fourth London run for The Lehman Trilogy since its National Theatre premiere in 2018. Stefano Massini’s epic – condensed from five hours to three in a translation by Ben Power – has also enjoyed esteem across the pond. With five Tony Awards including Best Play as well as an international tour, there is evidently ongoing intrigue in the production. Tonight proves why.
John Heffernan, Aaron Krohn and Howard W Overshown are the Lehman brothers, and over the course of three acts, they gradually unearth the origins of the American Dream and the rapid growth of American capitalism. While the play’s themes are vast, Mendes opts for a more modest approach than we might initially expect. A live piano provides accompaniment to the slow-burn drama. Luke Halls’s video projections transport us between time periods. Es Devlin’s set is a revolving transparent box containing a bare office. Simple cardboard boxes become shop counters and signage is scribbled on the glass.
It is entirely up to the actors to paint a rich canvas to draw us into this decade-spanning yarn and what actors they are. The three work in such wonderful cohesion, riffing off each other. They know when it’s their turn to be under the spotlight and when it’s time to pass the baton. On stage throughout and switching between narration to propel the story forward before reverting to dialogue, there is constantly something for us to absorb and digest. It allows for a swift pace despite the length.
However, the play is not without its flaws, particularly where its depiction of women is concerned. The three performers should be commended for their abilities to seamlessly shift into other characters of all ages and genders, but, the female characters are rendered caricatures. We understand this is a play about men told through their eyes but the female perspective is an aspect that is noticeably missing. Furthermore, while the first two acts weave us through the gradual rise of the Lehman brothers, the final act inevitably centres on their fall: 1929 to the monumental market crash and subsequent demise of Lehman is told at break-neck speed, which deprives it of the breathing space it perhaps deserves.
Such quibbles are overshadowed by the many positives. Thanks to the remarkable talents of the cast and creatives, this really is a masterfully executed experience. It blends good old-fashioned storytelling with the technical embellishments modern theatre affords. It also puts the story of a family over its exploration of finance. Yes, we are gifted a compelling history lesson complete with the intricate details of a documentary. Make no mistake, though, this is theatre doing what it does best: excavating light and shade from the behaviours of humans. The three-hour run time might feel intimidating, but we certainly get a return on our investment. Mendes’s masterpiece is not to be missed.
Jonathan Marshall
Photos: Mark Douet
The Lehman Trilogy is at Gillian Lynne Theatre from 24th September 2024 until 5th January 2025. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.
Watch the trailer for The Lehman Trilogy at Gillian Lynne Theatre here:
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