Many people only know of the Lehman Brothers name on account of their failure. The Great Financial Crash of 2008 sent economic shockwaves through the world. Why then, one may ask, would anyone want to watch a three hour play about banking? The answer: it is possibly the most epic outstanding production you will ever see, and it is about so much more than banking.
The stage is a rotating glass box. The backdrop is a digital screen. There are three actors. One pianist. Several cardboard boxes. On paper it shouldn’t work, but it is the magnificence of every key element and the outstanding direction by Sam Mendes which elevates this production to something you rarely witness in the West End.
The story starts with Henry Lehman (Leighton Pugh), a Jew, making his way across the sea from Bavaria, Germany to America. A humble, but ambitious young man, he takes a store and sells fabric. He is joined by his brother Emanuel (Howard W Overshown) and then later by their younger brother Mayer (Aaron Krohn). The trio join forces and forge their way ahead. Disaster strikes several times, but through their ingenuity, they capitalise on the opportunities.
It is a rags to riches – and downfall story – of family, ambition, greed, success, hard work, motivation and hunger. It is the human tale of trying to get on in life and making the best of what you have – even when the odds are stacked against you. The actors seamlessly shapeshift to play different characters as time passes and new family members take the helm, up until the eventual collapse of the original brothers’ dream.
It is an astonishing play of complicated simplicity based on the power of exceptional writing, acting, set design, direction, lighting and music.
From the moment the play opens there is a hushed silence as the audience are transfixed. There are no gimmicks and no need for a roll call of people on stage to thrust this story into the limelight – such is the powerful presence of those in attendance. You will be carried along in the journey of dreams, struggles, the rise of capitalism, and the conflicts and politics at play.
It is no wonder this play has amassed a stash of awards, fans across the world, and has come back to the West End for the third time. It is a play that should be seen and needs to be seen. It may not have the razzmatazz, big bands and deluge of actors audiences are used to in this part of town, but that’s what makes this show a cut above: it doesn’t need it.
‘The Lehman Trilogy’ is a masterclass in how to tell a story. It is an astonishing feat of utter brilliance. It may have only been six years since it’s London premiere, but I can see this becoming a firm favourite on the theatre scene.
Reviewer: Samantha Collett
Reviewed: 10th October 2024
North West End UK Rating: