Stereophonic at the Duke of York’s Theatre
Following its successful Broadway run, Stereophonic comes to the Duke of York Theatre. Set in 1976, Daniel Aukin’s production of David Adjmi’s hit musical-drama sees a rock band quarrelling in a dusty studio as they complete their next album. The band is comprised of Brits Reg (Zachary Hart), Holly (Nia Towle) and Simon (Chris Stack), and Americans Peter (Riddiford) and Diana (Lucy Karczewski). Watching the drama unfold from the sidelines are sound engineers Grover (Eli Gelb) and Charlie (Andrew R Butler).
Vocalist Diana frequently notes that she lacks self-confidence. She blames her inability to match the multi-instrumental talents of her bandmates on Peter, her partner of nine years, who exhibits a controlling streak. Married couple Holly and Reg have recently separated, with the latter slowly losing his grip on reality as he ponders life’s worth without the woman he loves. There’s a distinct incestuous undercurrent to the band’s interactions. Diana and Holly frequently kiss; although it could be argued that their relationship is more sororal than sexual, there’s a palpable ambiguity to their rapport. Even Simon, who is something of a steady hand compared to his bandmates, engages in playful flirtations with Diana.
Both the band’s musical stylings and interpersonal dynamics closely resemble the trajectory of Fleetwood Mac, whose backstage drama has become the stuff of legend. While the tumultuous relationship, and ultimate breakup, of songwriters Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks helped birth classic rock staples Go Your Own Way and Dreams, Diana and Peter’s toxic dynamic is best exemplified in Bright V1, a rousing piano-driven ballad; though performed by Diana, it’s vigorously dictated by the domineering Peter, who insists on a lower tempo.
Will Butler of Arcade Fire fame is behind the score, and there is more than a tinge of his band’s knack for anthemic choruses, albeit with a distinctly 1970s twist. Not all songs, however, are indicative of the decade; Bright Take 22, for example, suggests a more contemporary take on the folk rock ballad.
The cast is exemplary; each member of the band plays their instruments, essentially performing both a concert and a play. This, in turn, lends a credibility to the subject matter and prevents it from descending into jukebox musical-esque clichés. Meanwhile, Butler and Gelb’s stoner comedy-style interplay is a delight, with both actors showcasing fantastic comedic timing (Gelb, in particular, nails that lazy 70s SoCal drawl).
Stereophonic also doesn’t shy away from touching on the regressive attitudes of the era. Men routinely reduce women to their anatomy and use homophobic slurs. Peter feels that it’s Diana’s duty to provide him with a progeny, and even Simon casually flips through the pages of Playboy. One area where the storytelling falters is in not fully addressing just how toxic Peter and Reg are towards the women they supposedly love.
It’s a minor quibble, however, and Stereophonic is a triumphant celebration of the art of collaborative songwriting. With a soaring score and stellar performances, it’s a must-see for theatre and music lovers alike.
Antonia Georgiou
Photos: Marc Brenner
Stereophonic is at the Duke of York’s Theatre from 24th May until 19th September 2025. For further information or to book, visit the theatre’s website here.
Watch the trailer for Stereophonic at the Duke of York’s Theatre here:
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