Review: The Invisible Hand at the Tricycle Theatre

The Invisible Hand
Tricycle Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 18th May 2016
★★★★

Marking the final production before the Tricycle Theatre closes for refurbishment, Ayad Akhtar's play The Invisible Hand is a striking political thriller that makes its mark.  Daniel Lapaine leads the cast as an American banker who is being held in a cell in Pakistan; delving into global finance, Lapaine gives a gripping performance as his character realises his freedom comes at a price.

Director Indhu Rubasingham has put together a stellar creative team; Oliver Fenwic's lighting and Alex Caplan's sound makes a big impression. Lizzie Clachan's design has slightly reconfigured the Tricyle; the stage comes out a little into the audience making it more intimate than ever. You certainly feel as if you are peering into the action, which makes the piece extremely intense.

Lapaine may give the performance of the night, but Tony Jayawardena, Sid Sagar and Parth Thakerar are also very strong. Akhtar's piece is gripping - it's not always an easy watch, but The Invisible Hand is a perfect example of the top notch, bold work the Tricyle Theatre is renowned for staging.

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

The Invisible Hand runs at the Tricycle Theatre until 2nd July 2016.

Please visit www.tricycle.co.uk for info and tickets.