George Bernard Shaw’s Saint Joan is reimagined by writer/director Stewart Laing in a risky new version influenced heavily by an unproduced screenplay by Shaw. While this decision offers a unique take on theatrical adaptation, one must question whether this is the right form for a stage production.
This version places Joan firmly at the center of the action during the Hundred Years War, showcasing her rise and eventual downfall as a soldier turned saint. With a strong focus on gender and the power of youth, Saint Joan aims to remind us that anyone is capable of making change.
However, the play’s structure, which moves away from familiar theatrical conventions, feels disjointed. Narrative is spoken as though direction in a screenplay, with reference to close ups and camera tracking shots. Dialogue is largely spoken at a quick pace making the story hard to follow. The actors wear ear pieces, with a recording of the full play being fed back to them. Unfortunately, this means there are many times when performers are rushing to keep up with their own voices and some beats are left dead on stage.
Martin O’Connor as the Narrator, amongst other roles, delivers the strongest performance. He feels in control during the whole piece and manages to bring a strong sense of naturalism to a production that is anything but. In addition, a mention must go to Mandipa Kabanda in the titular role of Joan, and making her professional theatre debut. Kabanda holds her own surrounded by the fully male ensemble and does illicit a strong sense of sympathy from the audience
Stewart Laing’s direction is certainly ambitious. In a time where theaters play it safe so often, it is commendable to take such a risk by breaking the norm. However, it feels as though he focused so much energy on being different, that the text itself feels secondary. There are some strong moments, such as the sudden inclusion of CharliXCX, that creates genuine intrigue into what is going on but largely Laing’s choices seem messy and confusing.
Saint Joan is a unique theatrical experience that certainly tries to do something different but seems to forget the main aspect of theatre itself – telling a story.
Saint Joan runs at the Traverse Theatre until March 21st and tickets can be bought here
https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/event/saint-joan-spring-26
Reviewer: Dylan Mooney
Reviewed: 19th March 2026
North West End UK Rating:
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