Stereophonic – Duke of York’s

David Adjmi’s extraordinary play, Stereophonic, won five Tony Awards in 2024, including the award for Best Play following its hit run on Broadway.  It’s not hard to see why it was so successful, with its unique style, captivating storytelling and the brilliant performances of the cast.  

In a recording studio in 1976, a five-piece band are on the cusp of superstardom.  The up-and-coming group are in the process of recording their second album. The atmosphere is claustrophobic and chaotic, as a toxic mix of drugs, booze, exhaustion and sexual tension exacerbates divisions within the group. They write songs and bicker, row about creative conflicts and suffer emotional rifts.  With two couples (one American, one British) plus the manager/drummer, trying to navigate the immense pressures of the music industry, power struggles, jealousy and ego clashes threaten to derail their success.  Can they still produce great music against such a volatile backdrop, or is this inevitably the end of what had been a successful group? 

At more than three hours long, it’s undoubtedly a demanding play but thoroughly worth it.  The audience is the fly-on-the-wall of a creative process that isn’t usually seen. Adjmi’s dialogue is sharp and naturalistic and the fantastic cast bring the flawed but gifted characters to life perfectly. Zachary Hart, Lucy Karczewski, Jack Riddiford, Chris Stack and Nina Towle, are totally convincing in their roles as the band members.  They play live and sing Will Butler’s (Arcade Fire) original songs as if they have been together as a band for years. Andrew R Butler and Eli Gelb are the world-weary production team/engineers turning the band’s work into a recording and suffering through the blow-ups and breakdowns in the studio. The songs are a perfect fit for the era and would not have been out of place on any album by Fleetwood Mac or another band of the 1970s (though Adjmi firmly denies that Fleetwood Mac were the inspiration for his story).  Daniel Aukin’s direction gives the production a naturalistic feel, with characters speaking over each other at times, silences redolent with anger and jealousy, and a beautiful choreography as the friendships and relationships come together, break up and re-form. 

David Zinn’s fabulous design emphasises the intensity of the artistic process, the set dominated by a huge sound mixing desk and other equipment, and behind that the recording area for the musicians. It makes a great contrast – the mixing desk area with its messy array of faded sofas and chairs where the band relax, smoke and get stoned. Then there’s the pristine recording area, everything exactly placed for the best sound production. It all feels real, with the audience immersed in the electricity being created.  Costume design by Enver Chakartash is a perfect invocation of 1970s fashion with denim flares and polyester slacks, tight shirts, midi-dresses, and scarves, many with the orange and brown hues that were then popular. 

This production offers a unique insight through its reimaging of the dramatic form.  It’s a triumphant exploration of the personal and emotional cost of making great music.  Don’t miss it.

Stereophonic is at the Duke of York’s Theatre until 11th October 2025.  Tickets are on sale from:

https://www.thedukeofyorks.com/stereophonic

Reviewer: Carole Gordon

Reviewed: 14th June 2025

North West End UK Rating: