Fortune's Fool
Old Vic
Reviewed on Saturday 7th December 2013
When you tear apart the storyline of Ivan Turgenev's Fortune's Fool, which has never before been seen in the West End, you realise it is very thin. The play is made up of a series of arguments between a group of deeply unhappy human beings, some of whom have something to hide.
Olga Petrovna (Lucy Briggs-Owen) brings her new husband Pavel (Alexander Vlahos) to her grand home. They are joined by Kuzovkin (Iain Glen) who is penniless and has lived in the house for years. Before long Tropatchov (Richard McCabe), the loud and nosey neighbour, drops in and invites himself to stay for lunch. The champagne flows, secrets are revealed and those affected have to come to terms with the consequences.
To begin with Fortune's Fool seems naturalistic and safe but there is actually more to Lucy Bailey's production than first meets the eye. As the men become increasingly drunk a hint of style creeps into proceedings. The play becomes hilarious but interestingly there becomes a point when the piece is no longer funny, and instead rather dark and twisted. Lucy Bailey's direction is smart as this transition happens so smoothly, it's almost rather sly! The ensemble gradually gather around the men, making things feel more and more claustrophobic.
While Fortune's Fool is a comedy it is also a dark and sad piece of theatre. The design is very atmospheric and takes advantage of the Old Vic's deep stage which allows the set, which is grand yet simplistic, to go right back.
The stand out performance comes from Richard McCabe who makes quite an impression as the flamboyant neighbour Tropatchov. Showing off one of the most ridiculous fringes I have ever seen, his camp portrayal pumps energy into every scene, driving the piece forward. McCabe commits to every line and seems to bring out the best in his fellow cast members.
The Old Vic is one of the most stunning theatres London. I attended a Saturday evening preview and there was something very special about entering the prestigious building for a Saturday evening performance. The final applause bounced off the walls and filled the auditorium. An outstanding production of a good piece of theatre.
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
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