There’s a new theatrical genius in town!In contrast, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed if you book to see the A list Hollywood movie star Jesse Eisenberg give an extraordinary performance in his own, rather brilliant play THE SPOILS.
As with Laura Dunham who writes, stars and even sometimes directs her hit TV show GIRLS it’s difficult to comprehend how Eisenberg can be so multi-talented and excel at everything.
The evening starts off with a rather conventional set up; two odd-couple flat mates. The restrained, considerate and mild mannered finance student Kaylan (exquisitely played by Kunal Nayyar, star of TV’s hit sit-com THE BIG BANG THEORY) shares a living space with the spoilt, loud mouthed, psychologically erratic bundle of ego, entitlement and neurosis that is aspiring film maker Ben (Eisenberg).
There’s some great bro-mantic comedy between the two before Ben invites two old school friends over for drinks, Ted (an adorable performance from Alfie Allen of TV’s GAME OF THRONES) and Sarah (skilfully played by the recent star of West End Musical, BEAUTIFUL, Katie Brayben)
Man-child Ben is still desperately in love with Sarah following a rather dodgy crush he had on her when they were ten years old including a filthy sex dream. Ben knows few boundaries and tries to steal Sarah back from Ted in a crass seduction scene which is funny, creepy and pitiful all at the same time.
As well as his fight for Sarah’s affection, Ben is also locked in a battle for control of Kaylan, on whom he’s emotionally dependent, with Kaylan’s girlfriend, Reshma (Annapurna Sriram recreating her wonderful, passive aggressive performance from the original New York production).
But the acting honours go to Eisenberg, unrecognisable from his celebrated Oscar nominated performance as the founder of Facebook in the film THE SOCIAL NETWORK. This is one of the most assured and satisfying West End débuts that I have ever seen. His interpretation of Ben as a combination of neurosis, charisma and neediness is a master class in nuanced, high risk acting and is totally captivating. He is unafraid to give full rein to both the ugly, bullying side of his central character as well as displaying both his wit and vulnerability. Watch him as he sits, silently observing his friends fool around, you sense his envy and his despair that he’s incapable of sharing their relaxed fun or enjoying the love he sees in other people’s relationships.
The first must see of 2016, this is highly recommended.
The plays of Alexi Kaye Campbell have been essential viewing in London Theatre since he first came to prominence with his play, PRIDE, at the Royal Court which hauntingly contrasted gay life in the 1950s with today.