Every Good Boy Deserves Favour

First performed in 1977 and returning to the National after a sell-out run at the beginning of last year, Tom Stoppard and André Previn’s play is here for a limited time only. Telling the story of two inmates in a Soviet mental institute we discover one perfectly sane man imprisoned for dissidence, and his cellmate, a genuine madman who is the triangle player of his imaginary orchestra.

Every Good Boy Deserves Favour is performed with the orchestra (Southbank Sinfonia) playing a major role in the story, more fellow star than accompaniment, portraying emotion and humour through music and movement.

This extraordinary piece takes the audience on a journey through political struggle and madness but remains surprisingly funny and light-hearted.

Julian Bleach fully immerses himself in his imaginary orchestra, conducting and dancing to the music, complaining about the ‘cellos, while Adrian Schiller’s character tries to cope with the reality of his unjust situation. Schiller is touching and heartbreaking at points but paired with Bleach’s farce the play flows easily with the perfect balance between comedy and tragedy.

Previn’s music is the glue that binds it all and though the Sinfonia is not London’s best orchestra they deliver a well rounded performance with enthusiasm and energy. Conductor Simon Over is at the heart of the orchestra seamlessly connecting the players and actors to create one entity, one performance.

The ensemble must be commended for a mesmerising set-piece choreographed by Maxine Doyle which delves into the hidden torture that lay behind these state-run institutes.

It’s no surprise that this play was already a success and this excellent production does not disappoint. This is a unique, inspiring piece of theatre that will capture your imagination and remain with you for days after.

Until February 17th.

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