Show ended
Runtime: 2h 40m
The 2022 Almeida hit, written by Peter "The Crown" Morgan, sees Will Keen reprising his role as Vladimir Putin and Tom Hollander returning to play Berezovsky, the man who, after the fall of the Soviet Union, rose to become one of Russia’s most successful oligarchs. With money comes power, and with power comes danger, as Berezovsky steers Putin towards the presidency and becomes part of the Kremlin’s inner circle, only to fall foul of his prodigy as Putin tightens his grip on power. It’s intelligent, meaty stuff that makes light work of what could easily be impenetrable, courtesy of Rupert Goold’s inventive production and Hollander and Keen’s mesmerising performances.
Peter Morgan's new play exploring the life of Berezovsky comes to the Noel Coward Theatre for a limited 12 week season in Spring 2023. 1991. The Fall of the Soviet Union. There are both winners and losers with the dawning of a new Russia. A patriot of today can quickly become a traitor of tomorrow. The play follows billionaire businessman Boris Berezovsky. While a new generation of oligarchs fights to take control, Berezovsky goes from the president's inner circle to public enemy #1. Reprising his role of Berezovsky is BAFTA award winner Tom Hollander (Travesties, The Night Manager) starring as the ‘kingmaker’ behind Vladimir Putin. Alongside him is Will Keen (His Dark Materials) reprising the role of Putin, as well as Luke Thallon (Albion) as Abramovich. Written by Peter Morgan and directed by Rupert Goold (Ink), Patriots is a startlingly timely and brilliant story of loyalty, betrayal and ambition in a brave new world. Patriots was a recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New Play Award for its run at the Almeida Theatre. Age Recommendation: 14+ This production includes reference to suicide, antisemitic language, the smoking of real cigarettes and strobe lights.
Patriots, the poignant new play from Peter Morgan, explores what it means to be loyal to your country. Set against the backdrop of the fall of the Soviet Union, this fantastic production stars BAFTA-winner Tom Hollander as Berezovsky, the ‘kingmaker’ behind Vladimir Putin. With so much uncertainty, the lines between patriots and traitors are blurring, and no one’s position is entirely secure. It remains to be seen where everyone will be standing when the dust settles, and whether Berezovsky will still be by Putin’s side.
Patriots comes to the Nöel Coward Theatre this spring 2023, after a highly successful run at the Almeida Theatre. Book your tickets now – this much talked about production is one you won’t want to miss.
“If the politicians cannot save Russia, then we businessmen must. We have not just the responsibility but the duty to become Russian heroes.”
Patriots tells the story of the fall of the Soviet Union, and the new, ever-changing lines between patriot and traitor. With a new Russia dawning in 1991, the struggle for control is just beginning. Key players, Putin and Abramovich among them, are scrambling for whatever power and control they can access. Among them moves Boris Berezovsky, the billionaire whose fortunes were made when he gained access to Putin’s inner circle.
With Berezovsky in Putin’s air, things in Russia are shifting, and the winners and losers are beginning to emerge. But with so much still up in the air, no one’s position is secure, and today’s patriarch can just as easily become tomorrow’s traitor…
This gripping story of ambition and betrayal takes the machinations of Russian oligarchs to the stage, allowing audiences to glimpse behind the politics and study the men who grappled for control.
Tom Hollander reprises his role as Berevsky, the ‘kingmaker’ behind Vladimir Putin. BAFTA-winner Hollander is known for his work in The Night Manager and Travesties, among others. Will Keen, known for His Dark Materials, will play Putin, whilst Luke Thallon, previously seen in Abramovich, will play Albion. Further casting is yet to be announced.
Patriots is written by Peter Morgan. An acclaimed historical and political writer, Morgan has received praise for previous plays The Audience and Frost/Nixon. His work can also be seen in Netflix’s hit series The Crown.
The show is directed by Rupert Goold, whose extensive credits include Ink and Enron. Goold is also the Artistic Direction of the Almeida Theatre, where this production of Patriots was originated.
Patriots transfers from the Almeida Theatre to the West End’s Nöel Coward Theatre this spring. It will run for a limited 12 week season from 26 May 2023 – 19 Aug 2023. With such a limited number of performances and rave reviews from critics, demand is bound to be high. Book tickets now to avoid disappointment and experience one of the most exciting new pieces of political theatre to hit the West End this year.