Roman Tragedy Britannicus at the Lyric Theatre

Adaptation of Jean Racine's play tells of Nero's transformation into a tyrant

William Robinson and Sabine Sirine Saba in Britannicus. Picture: Marc Brenner

The Lyric Theatre Hammersmith is currently staging Jean Racine’s Roman tragedy Britannicus.

It is a political drama exploring the path to power, succession, and tyranny, set in modern day Rome, blistering arena of power where the corrosive effects of unchecked authoritarianism pervade every corner of society. The production aims to be a chilling portrait of a dictator’s rise to power.

Agrippina – desperate to cling onto power – has ensured her son, Nero, is the Roman Emperor, in place of his adopted brother and the rightful heir Britannicus. Nero’s own obsessions turn a once virtuous ruler into an oppressive tyrant. His path to power is paved with deceit, corruption and cruelty.

It’s a Sin’s Nathaniel Curtis plays the title role alongside William Robinson as Nero, Sirine Saba as Agrippina, Hanna Khogali as Albine, Helena Lymbery as Burrhus, Nigel Barrett as Narcissus and Shyvonne Ahmmad as Junia.

Nathaniel Curtis as Britannicus. Picture: Ellie Kurttz

The classic French play is translated and adapted by Olivier Award winning writer Timberlake Wertenbaker (Our Country’s Good) and directed by Atri Banerjee winner of The Stage Debut Award for Best Director.

Set and costume design is by Rosanna Vize, lighting design by Lee Curran, composition and sound design by Jasmin Kent Rodgman, movement direction by Jennifer Jackson and casting by Nadine Rennie CDG.

Britannicus runs at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre from 26 May to 25 June. Tickets are available from £10 or £5 for Young Lyric Members. The play is recommend for ages 14 and above. To book visit the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre's web site.

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May 30, 2022

Roman Tragedy Britannicus at the Lyric Theatre

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