David Oyelowo in Coriolanus - National Theatre - review

David Oyelowo makes a triumphant return to the English stage but what about the National Theatre production of Shakespeare's Roman tragedy? Paul Seven Lewis reviews Coriolanus directed by Lyndsey Turner and the extraordinary set by Es Devlin.
Coriolanus can be seen at the National Theatre until 9 November 2024.
Paul was given a review ticket by the theatre.
Production photos used in this review are copyright Misan Harriman. The photo used on the thumbnail is by Obidi Nzeribe.
Follow Theatre Review With Paul Seven on Instagram, Facebook, Threads and Mastodon.

[markharris]

I'm going to see this next Saturday afternoon.

I love this play - I studied it for A-Level many many moons ago, so I know (perhaps 'used to know') every twist and turn. But I don't think I've ever seen a professional production, or indeed a production of any kind. Looks like there was a RSC production in Stratford the year I finished, but that was after exams. Maybe theatres didn't take much notice of exam boards in those days, or perhaps not many students took the Roman option.

The 'Roman Option' (good name for a book, going to remember that one) was Antony & Cleopatra and Coriolanus, the other pairing was Macbeth, maybe and King Lear, something like that. But my teacher loved the Roman plays and certainly instilled that love in me. The NT production with Ralph Fiennes and Sophie Okenedo a few years ago was just magnificent and now I'm glad we're getting the flutterer of Volscians. (I remember writing a fantastic essay on that scene!)

I know this is in modern dress but I do kind of wish they'd do Roman plays in Roman dress. Is it because it might be hard to distinguish between characters?

Anyway, shall come back to give my opinion next weekend! Thanks for the review, and thanks to David Alexander-Watts for his opinion too. Done right this play should go like an action movie.

[davidalexander-watts]

I'm not clear whether the rating reflects the play more than the production or performances. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing it and as you say the delivery of the text by the cast was impeccable. One thing we found is that there was never a dull moment, it's a long play and it fizzed in every scene, it didn't feel long at all, we were engaged with every moment.