Arcadia at the Duke of York’s Theatre

Under gleaming globes at the Duke of York’s Theatre, conversation dances between determinism, Fermat’s Last Theorem and Lord Byron – perhaps unusual topics for the West End stage.

Arcadia was written by Tom Stoppard in 1993. As if mirroring the complex mathematical diagrams discussed in the script, the play jumps between two timelines that share the same setting, the fictitious Sidley Park in Derbyshire. We are introduced to both the Georgian and modern-day residents of the Grand manor house, each driven by similar forces – curiosity, lust, insecurity and jealousy.

The play, frequently referred to as a “masterpiece”, was a huge success for Stoppard and received widespread international acclaim. Sadly, the playwright passed away in December of last year. In recognition of Stoppard’s contribution to British theatre, Duke of York’s will be renamed as The Tom Stoppard Theatre.

The script is ripe with witticisms – the comedic timing of Yolanda Kettle as Lady Croom is particularly pleasing – however, at times weighed down by the density of its own jargon. It is easy to become distracted from emotional moments by the complexities of scientific theories. Stoppard’s writing is immensely clever (it is not often that a show’s programme includes a glossary to explain the lesser-known terms that it discusses), which, whilst being thought-provoking and engaging, makes this play less accessible to a casual theatre-goer seeking an evening of light relief.

Alongside having the most magnificent eyebrows in the West End, Seamus Dillane brings magnetism and suavity to the role of Sepitmus Hodge. His genius student, Thomasina Coverly, is played by Isis Hainsworth, who embodies the acute intelligence of her character yet maintains a youthful sweetness.

Whilst the Georgian timeline is humorous and charming, the modern-day setting feels stilted and lacks chemistry. Attempting to “restore hope through good English algebra”, the scenes set in the 1990s put less emphasis on hope and much more on good English algebra. That being said, Nikki Amuka-Bird is fantastic as Hannah Jarvis, balancing straightforward thinking with a tender disposition.

Arcadia is quick-witted and hyperintellectual, if slightly impenetrable, with a stellar cast to match. Though light-hearted entertainment it is not, the production certainly delivers an evening of stimulating performances.