Just when you thought you’d seen it all, along comes a detective story (by Simon Stephens) which starts virtually outside the theatre (Lyric Hammersmith) before moving to Germany and Estonia, using the language of (and actors from) all three countries and an extraordinary staging from Sebastian Nubling which glues you to your seat, mouth open often and eyes turned away sometimes!
A body part has been found in the Thames at Chiswick and detectives Ignatuis Stone and Charlie Lee (a superb ‘double act’ from Nicholas Tennant and Ferdy Roberts) begin an investigation which follows sex traffickers back to Estonia via Germany. Along the way they visit the ‘studios’ of a German porno movie outfit and what seems like a lot of hotels.
After a fairly conventional opening in London, it becomes very surreal and its hard to understand everything that’s going on (and there’s a lot going on!). Things (and people) are thrown onto and off the stage, there’s very realistic violence, an abundance of foul language, much nudity and simulated sex! It twists and turns continually and surprises you often.
The story gets a bit lost in the production, and there’s much I don’t really understand, but the ‘choreography’ and acting are outstanding and you really can’t take your eyes off the stage (no, not for the reasons you think!).
Something different, Sir? Head to the Lyric!
Saw Three Kingdoms on Saturday and agree a bit with your review somewhat in terms of the acting and production, I too had to think about this play for a few days to digested, as was extremely disappointed at how what seemed so promising ended in such a chaotic mess of confusion and pure indulgence. It’s a shame as I think this production will be lost on the majority of audiences.
It looks like I’m a bit more positive than you, but I do understand your point. The words sink & kitchen spring to mind.