Vincent in Brixton – Orange Tree Theatre

A young lover, a religious zealot, or a tragic genius? Vincent Van Gogh is remembered almost exclusively as one of the above. One of the founding idols in the cult of artistic misery, his legacy is not an uncomplicated one. Vincent in Brixton is, on the other hand, simply marvellous. The play itself, by Nicholas Wright is a precise and thought-provoking incision into an underexplored segment of the artist’s life. Neither obnoxiously philosophical or politically apathetic the experience of watching it unfold is not unlike a night in with good friends, good food, and decent beer.

The wonder of this production however is in its masterful direction and extraordinary cast. The Orange Tree Theatre, an already intimate space, is transformed by the utterly brilliant Charlotte Henery into a functional kitchen, one that steams and hisses, clatters, clanks, and burbles as the play’s characters putter about it and each other. Each of the play’s several beautiful costumes are worn with grace by a cast so confident in their roles it is difficult to imagine them anywhere else.

Niamh Cusack and Jeroen Frank Kales as Ursula and Vincent are two powerful stage presences with a fizzling chemistry that throws sparks throughout the plays duration, but it is the incredible Rawaed Asde who imbues the theatrical space with a warmth and ease that is as entirely unexpected as it feels natural. He accomplishes the genuinely extraordinary feat of captivating and completely charming the crowd without pandering to anyone, acting a devotion to each character he interacts with that deepens the audience’s investment in everyone.

To describe this production as a triumph for director Georgia Green is to do a disservice to the incredible work put in by Green, the cast, and the crew in making this incredibly special experience feel collaborative. Challenging in the best way and as difficult as it is delightful, Vincent in Brixton is well worth the watch.

Vincent in Brixton runs until 18th April at the Orange Tree Theatre with tickets available at https://orangetreetheatre.co.uk

Reviewer: Kira Daniels

Reviewed: 20th March 2026

North West End UK Rating: