Stanley Kubrick’s dark satire about the Cold War and nuclear doomsday remains as relevant today as it was in 1964.
“There are days in this job when I really wish the other guy had won,” laments President Muffley, one of four major roles played by Steve Coogan. This production of Dr. Strangelove, originally a Kubrick masterpiece loosely based on the novel Red Alert (1958), has been expertly co-adapted by Armando Iannucci and Sean Foley for the Noel Coward Theatre. The narrative follows an unstable U.S. Air Force general, Jack Ripper (John Hopkins), who orders a preemptive nuclear strike on the Soviet Union, shifting between the President’s panic in the War Room, the fraught relationship between Ripper and Captain Mandrake, and the B-52 bombers on a misguided mission.
Premiering just 18 months after the Cuban Missile Crisis, Dr. Strangelove effectively blended public anxiety with the absurdity of nuclear conflict and ineffectual leaders. The film’s themes remain pertinent today, especially with ongoing conflicts and rising political tensions, making it timely to appreciate the play’s brilliance.
This West End adaptation honored Kubrick’s genius while elevating it, with Coogan skillfully portraying Dr. Strangelove, Captain Mandrake, President Muffley, and Major T.J. Kong. Coogan’s ability to masterfully control each role highlights his impressive accolades, including several BAFTA awards. The production navigated the technical challenges of having one actor in multiple roles, achieving seamless transitions that could go unnoticed unless familiar with the original casting. His portrayal of Dr. Strangelove stole the show, eliciting laughter and applause.
The set design effectively captured the environments of the 1964 film. Hildegard Bechtler, the set and costume designer, divided the visual elements between the stage and an electronic screen. Props, like General Ripper’s iconic cigar, contributed to the production’s success. Additionally, the musical numbers interspersed throughout added to the overall triumph.
I recommend watching the film before attending the production to fully appreciate the homage to Kubrick while enjoying a fresh show. Though they share much in common, they offer different experiences.
The play concluded with a performance of “We’ll Meet Again,” resulting in a standing ovation from the audience. This production remained loyal to Kubrick’s film while feeling fresh and humorous. My appreciation stems from Coogan’s commanding performances, Sean Foley’s direction, and Kubrick’s enduring script. Even if you’ve watched Kubrick’s film many times, there’s still something new to discover in this West End adaptation. It’s rare to experience both a film and its theatrical production in the same day and feel astonished by its relevance and humor each time. This production deserves every accolade its film counterpart earned years ago.
Playwright: Stanley Kubrick and co-adapted by Sean Foley and Armando Iannucci
Cast: Steve Coogan, Giles Terera, John Hopkins, Tony Jayawardena, Mark Hadfield, Ben Turner, Ben Deery, Oliver Alvin-Wilson, Dharmesh Patel, and Richard Dempsey
Duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes including interval
Until: 25 January 2025
Photo credit: Manuel Harlan