The West End scene just got two major adaptations of the perennial Athenian story, "Oedipus," with the productions confirming their respective projects within 30 minutes of each other last Thursday, Jan. 18, each featuring a star-studded cast with names like Mark Strong and Rami Malek.
"Oedipus Cursing His Son, Polynices" oil on canvas painting by Henry Fuseli dated 1786 depicting a scene from the famous tragedy which will be adapted in two simultaneously announced West End stage productions.
The Dueling 'Oedipus' Stage Productions
First to break the silence was an announcement made at 6:32 PM that day, sharing that Robert Icke's famed 2019 adaptation, which enjoyed a run in Amsterdam, will now be transferring to Wyndham's Theatre in London after it was initially postponed due to the Pandemic.
The production will star Strong, known for the "Kingsman" film series, and Lesley Manville, with the former taking on the titular role and the latter playing his mother, "Jocasta." Academy Award-winning actress and acclaimed English actress Helen Mirren will also join the cast.
Close on its tail, the Old Vic theatre also announced its "Oedipus" production that same day exactly 30 minutes later at 7:02 PM. According to the theatre company, its take on the Athenian tragedy is set to open in January 2025.
This particular stage iteration will be headlined by Academy Award-winning actor Malek, playing "Oedipus," opposite Olivier Award winner Indira Varma's "Jocasta."
Old Vic's adaptation will employ a script written by Ella Hickson, who is undertaking a new take on the centuries-old tale. As for its direction, it will be a collaborative effort between Matthew Warchus and Hofesh Schechter.
Neither camp has yet to confirm ticket sales and performance dates, which prompted speculations regarding the reason behind the nearly identical timing of announcements.
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Old Vic Theatre, First to Push Against Would-be Assumptions
The Old Vic quickly shut down accusations that they copied the production, as it sent a statement to Time Out saying that its project has been in the works since 2019.
Hickson's adaptation of the work is specifically planned to run from Jan. 21 until March 29 next year. This production also marks Malek's English theatre debut, playing the famed tragic character of "Oedipus."
The American actor of Egyptian descent is known for his performances in recent mainstream film and TV successes like "Bohemian Rhapsody," "No Time to Die," and "Mr. Robot." On the other hand, his lead star counterpart
Varma is mainly known for performing in Old Vic classics, namely in "Present Laughter," which won her an Olivier Award in 2020.
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