Gillian Anderson and Billy Crudup are headlining a new production of Edward Albee's "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" at London's Soho Theatre, a revival of the notoriously demanding 1962 play.
The production, directed by Marianne Elliott, condenses Albee's intense portrayal of marital discord into a three-hour and 20-minute runtime, including an intermission. The play, originally known for its psychological manipulation and drunken invective, centers on the destructive relationship between Martha, the daughter of a university president, and her husband George.
Anderson portrays Martha, who, upon returning from a faculty party, invites a younger couple, biologist Nick (Josh Dylan) and his wife Honey (Phoebe Horn), to her home for a late-night gathering. What begins as a seemingly convivial evening devolves into a brutal examination of the hosts' own bitter marriage, with Martha systematically humiliating George. Crudup, as George, retaliates with his own provocations, exposing marital secrets and driving the destructive dynamic.
Critics have noted Anderson's fierce performance, with one review stating she "revels in the bile" of her character. The production is set against a backdrop that includes a central drinks trolley, emphasizing the pervasive role of alcohol in the characters' lives and the play's depiction of domestic hell. The staging features a rotating set described as a "brown rotating bear pit" with orange furniture and yellowing books.
The play, famous for its cinematic adaptation starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, is known for its challenging nature for both performers and audiences. This revival is reportedly sold out, with speculation that it may be broadcast to cinemas in the winter. The production runs until December 19.