Jodie Whittaker joins a long line of A-listers currently gracing London’s stages. The actress returns to theatre after a ten-year absence with The Duchess [Of Malfi]. John Webster’s 1614 drama might at first appear an odd choice for the star, however, the play was clearly ahead of its time with its focus on the female experience in a world dominated by the patriarchy.
The Duchess is recently widowed but rather than dwelling in grief, chooses to grasp life by the hands. She still craves love and re-marries in secret. A spy in the household thwarts her plans, however, as they inform her villainous brothers, who seek her fortune and subsequently unleash relentless punishment on their sister for her actions.
The Jacobean Revenge tragedy proves its test of time, yet writer and director Zinnie Harris overloads the production with a vast array of ideas. Yes, this feels modern but with such focus on pacing – the production runs at two hours thirty including interval – certain aspects of the original are lost. Do we truly believe the brother’s motivations? Is there enough breathing space for tension?
Tom Piper provides a set reminiscent of an asylum, which permits certain characters to watch over the Duchess. Light and sound courtesy of Ben Ormerod and Michael John McCarthy respectively embellish what is, ultimately, a shiny yet hollow production. While the acting cannot be faulted, this version of The Duchess leaves us yearning for more. Style over substance prevails in this disappointing offering.
Review by Jonathan Marshall
Recently widowed and in search for a new lease of life, the Duchess (Jodie Whittaker) defies her family’s wishes by remarrying beneath her class. However, when her brothers, driven by insurmountable greed and rage, discover her second marriage they unleash a series of cruel and devastating punishments against her that repress her power. But will their vicious atrocities come back to haunt them?
CAST
The Duchess – Jodie Whittaker
Antonio – Joel Fry
Ferdinand – Rory Fleck Byrne
Bosola – Jude Owusu
The Cardinal – Paul Ready
Julia – Elizabeth Ayodele
Delio – Hubert Burton
Cariola – Matti Houghton
Musician – Hannah Visocchi
Understudy (Ferdinand, Antonio, Delio) – Kerill Kelly
Understudy (The Cardinal, Bosola) – Greg Snowden
Understudy (The Duchess, Julia, Cariola, Musician) – Amy Vicary-Smith
THE DUCHESS [OF MALFI]
Adapted and directed by Zinnie Harris
Trafalgar Theatre
5 October to 20 December 2024
Buy Tickets for The Duchess [of Malfi]
