This week The Altrincham Garrick Playhouse bravely take on the beast that is ‘Oppenheimer’. Most will have first become aware of Oppenheimer in 2023, as it was Christopher Nolan’s award winning movie. It is likely then, that in relation to its film success that this version, directed by John Cunningham and Carole Carr will naturally cause audiences to compare the two, although it seems that both offer something very different.
Written by Tom Morton-Smith, the play depicts the years between 1930 and 1945 and centres around the lead character, J Robert Oppenheimer. It essentially relates to the legacy he left in the world of physics in his development of the atomic bomb. However, more specifically, the story is very much a personal one and relays the human behind the science. The play leaves the audience with a sense that if we remove the science briefly, we are left with a story about moral dilemmas, differing opinions and political viewpoints in individuals, many who are trying to work together. The story also highlights the desperation for success, potentially at a high cost.
However, one thing that must be acknowledged is that seeing the play as opposed to the film undoubtedly adds a richness and purity to the characters. The emotional content of the various characterisations on stage provides the audience with some degree of empathy towards the various challenges that individuals were living through during this time. Relationships were fraught on many levels throughout. The story which of course is related to the development of the atomic bomb is consistent yet the explosion itself focuses more on the characters reaction. This scene is viewed very much from the individual’s perception on the lead up and the aftermath of the bomb.
Jonathan Higgs performs as Oppenheimer, the theoretical physicist. His stage presence is tangible and his performance is entirely believable. In many scenes it is hard to take your eyes off him and his use of silence in scenes adds to his stage presence. From the first scene when we meet Oppenheimer, we see a scientist at a lectern in a grey suit but over the period of the play and through the talent of Higgs we see a flawed, sensitive character whose determination and ambition is often questioned.
With such an array of talent on stage, all must be applauded. Faye Alexandra for her part as Kitty demonstrated a chemistry between her and Oppenheimer that consistently implied that she totally understood him and supported him despite challenges along the way. Hector MacDuff who played Professor Hans Bethe was also outstanding – his exasperation at various stages in the formulation of the science could be felt clearly.
Oppenheimer’s younger brother “Frank” was performed by David Glover and he performs with an appropriate level of frustration at all that his brother is doing, but with some different political viewpoints this exasperation between the two is consistent throughout most of the play.
A standout performance must be given to Scarlet Newton who played the role of Jean. Her final scene shared a personal yet distressing moment that suggested she had finally lost the immense power on stage that she previously had. Her stillness in this scene ensured the audience held on to her every word.
This performance of Oppenheimer is undoubtedly a success. With fast moving scenes the story is told both factually with a consistent nod to the human side. The world was at war but it was clear that those behind the science suffered greatly in relation to all they had achieved in trying to advance science. It leaves the audience considering the cost of the advancement of science and what the consequences of this truly are.
Oppenheimer is on until 1st March at The Altrincham Garrick Playhouse and tickets can be purchased from the Box office on 0161 928 1677 or via www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk.
Reviewer: Angela Kelly
Reviewed: 24th February 2025
North West End UK Rating:
Rating: 5 out of 5.
