London Stage Review: Ewan McGregor, Elizabeth Debicki Lead Challenging ‘My Master Builder’ at Wyndham’s Theatre

Lila Raicek’s debut play, a reinterpretation of Ibsen’s classic titled My Master Builder, has opened at London’s esteemed Wyndham’s Theatre, drawing significant attention thanks to its star-studded cast. The production features A-list talent including Ewan McGregor and Elizabeth Debicki, known for her work in ‘The Crown’, in leading roles, alongside Kate Fleetwood portraying the role of the wife, Elena.

A Modern Take on Ibsen

Raicek’s version offers a notable twist on the original text by deliberately giving more prominence to the female characters. Specifically, the roles of Elena, the long-suffering wife played by Fleetwood, and the younger lover, Mathilde, portrayed by Debicki, are brought further into the foreground. This narrative shift aims to re-examine the dynamics at play within Ibsen’s complex framework through a contemporary lens.

The Ensemble and Performances

Despite boasting a cast replete with top theatrical and screen talent, the production, according to this review, suggests the performers struggle collectively to elevate the evening into a truly exciting or compelling experience. Ewan McGregor, in the central role, delivers what is described as a solid performance. However, the inherent ambiguity surrounding his character, Henry, makes him particularly hard for the audience to relate to or engage with on an emotional level.

Kate Fleetwood takes on the challenging part of Elena, the wife, while Elizabeth Debicki embodies Mathilde, the younger figure who disrupts the established order. The interplay between these characters is central to Raicek’s reinterpretation, seeking to explore their perspectives with greater depth than the source material traditionally allows.

Providing moments of levity amidst the dramatic tension is David Ajala as the character Ragnar. While offering some welcome light relief, this role is unfortunately described as being drawn with broad, brief strokes, limiting its potential impact on the overall narrative texture.

Script and Uncomfortable Themes

The script delves into deeply uncomfortable themes pertinent to both Ibsen’s era and our own, touching upon concepts such as slut-shaming and the sexual exploitation of the vulnerable. While tackling such weighty subjects, the play’s handling of a potentially emotive storyline concerning a dead child is presented in a manner described as perfunctory, potentially diluting its emotional resonance.

The characters, as depicted in this production, are seen as profoundly flawed, often self-delusional, and somewhat predictable in their actions and motivations. This portrayal contributes to a sense of detachment for the audience, making it difficult to know precisely who to support or invest in emotionally as the drama unfolds.

Impact and Conclusion

The overall assessment for My Master Builder at Wyndham’s Theatre is registered as “Good”. While the presence and efforts of a highly talented cast, including McGregor, Debicki, and Fleetwood, are undeniable, the production ultimately does not seem to fully capitalize on this wealth of acting skill to elevate the play to its maximum potential.

The lack of clear audience sentiment towards McGregor’s character, Henry, culminates in his final tragic fall lacking the significant impact it might otherwise command. The ambiguity surrounding Henry’s persona leaves the audience perhaps too detached to feel the full weight of his demise.

In summary, Lila Raicek’s debut, featuring a distinguished cast at Wyndham’s Theatre, presents a thoughtful, albeit uneven, exploration of Ibsen’s work with a focus on its female voices. While solid performances are delivered, the production encounters challenges in consistently engaging the audience and fully realizing the emotional depth within its complex and sometimes uncomfortable themes. The evening offers moments of insight but, as reviewed, may leave some hoping for a more consistently exciting theatrical experience from such accomplished talent.