Review: The Spoils at Trafalgar Studios

The Spoils
Trafalgar Studios
Reviewed on Thursday 2nd June 2016
★★★

Jesse Eisenberg is a man of many talents - it's quite something to make your West End debut in the European premiere of your hit off-Broadway play. The Spoils centres around Eisenberg's character Ben who, despite having had a lot handed to him on a plate, is deeply unhappy with his life. 

He treats his roommate/best friend Kalyan poorly, constantly battles with Kalyan's partner and reaches new lows when he tries to win over his now-engaged school crush. The piece takes a long time to set up and establish itself; I found the first two (of three) scenes in the first act slow paced and a little tiresome. However, as a dinner party erupts at the end of the first act things get a little more exciting.

Eisenberg gives a strong performance. He provides a real insight into Ben's twisted mind - he's a fascinating character. The entire ensemble are on top form; original U.S. cast members Annapurna Sriram and Kunal Nayyar bring an exciting spark to the stage, Alfie Allen proves himself as a capable character actor with good comic timing and Katie Brayben reminds us just how versatile she is. 

Alfie Allen & Katie Brayben join cast of The Spoils

Alfie Allen (Game of Thrones), Katie Brayben (Beautiful) and Annapurna Sriram (Billions) join the previously announced Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network) and Kunal Nayyar (The Big Bang Theory) in The Spoils. 

Written by and starring Jesse Eisenberg, the show opens at Trafalgar Studios on 2nd June (previews from 27th May) for a limited run to 13th August 2016.

Marking Eisenberg’s third play, The Spoils originally ran off-Broadway in 2015 at The Pershing Square Signature Center. This piece cements his reputation as a talented playwright whose tragicomic work explores questions of American privilege and the nature of family and relationships. 

Off-Broadway comedy The Spoils transferring to the West End

It has been announced that The New Group’s off-Broadway comedy The Spoils will receive its European premiere later this year.

Written by and starring Jesse Eisenberg, the show opens at Trafalgar Studios on 2nd June (previews from 27th May) for a limited run to 13th August 2016.

Marking Eisenberg’s third play, The Spoils originally ran off-Broadway in 2015 at The Pershing Square Signature Center. This piece cements his reputation as a talented playwright whose tragicomic work explores questions of American privilege and the nature of family and relationships.