The New Real
David Edgar’s latest play is a political drama set in the present day, which leaves us questioning not only the ethics and morality of elections, but also the truth of reality.
Rachel, an American political strategist and Caro, a British data expert, are hired by an Eastern European candidate to help with their election campaign, only to discover that they are there to learn more than they could possibly advise on. Alongside this, Rachel’s former political partner Larry turns up on the side of their rivals and he means business. His tactics are certainly contentious. So, what does it cost to make fake news the truth?
Martina Laird, as Rachel and Lloyd Owen, as Larry have a good dynamic relationship. Both play as strong and feisty, but Laird shows Rachel’s vulnerable side also which is a nice curveball in what could otherwise be described as hard faced.
Jodie McNee, as Caro Wheeler is possibly the most relatable character. Whilst some dialogue is a bit heavy with political terminology, McNee’s character seems to ground the storyline and bring it back to an understandable level (for those of us not very politically savvy).
Overall the cast are strong, but a special mention must go to Edyta Budnik, who plays Natalia Bezborodko (and also what seems like every other character) exiting as one person and re-entering as another within the same scene, great to watch so many very different characters from one actor, we started to question if there were twins within the cast, the transitions were seamless.
Lighting design by Joshie Harriette and videography by Luke Halls adds in to the performance the elements of nostalgia and creates the atmospheric tension to the question, what exactly is The New Real?.
This show was reviewed on the 10th October 2024 at The RSC, Stratford-upon-Avon where the show runs until the 2nd November 2024. Tickets available here: About the play | The New Real | Royal Shakespeare Company (rsc.org.uk)
Review written by Rachel Louise Martin
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Photo credit: Ikin Yum
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