Theatre Review: Death of England: Michael, & Delroy - generational defining triumphant theatre.

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A generational defining triumph of theatre. Death of England is a trio of plays by Clint Dyer and Roy Williams, that are for the first time being shown in rep at @sohoplace. Michael is the first, and Delroy is the second of the three.

Death of England at @sohoplace is a theatrical experience that transcends the ordinary, establishing itself as a defining work of the 21st century. Expertly observed, and communicated without leaving room for confusion, this is a pitch perfect examination of life in modern Britain.

Paapa Essiedu's performance in Delroy is nothing short of outstanding. For an hour and forty minutes, he holds the audience in his hand, delivering a performance that is both powerful and deeply moving. In fact, it feels a disservice to call it a performance. Deeply authentic, complex, and emotionally raw, it’s more than a performance. It was a revelation, a transformation, an immersion. He had us spellbound from start to finish, with expert audience engagement, and a degree of control over his body and mind that elevates a great actor to an exceptional one. I will be stunned if this performance doesn’t earn him a nod in next year’s Olivier’s.

Thomas Coombes as Michael is also, quite frankly, spectacular. He delivers an electrifying performance and from the moment he steps on stage, Coombes commands attention with a raw intensity that is both captivating and profoundly moving. His portrayal is layered with vulnerability, rage, and a poignant authenticity that brings Michael's internal struggles to life. Coombes navigates the complexities of his character with a deftness that is masterful, making every moment on stage impactful. His ability to convey deep emotional truths leaves the audience both breathless and contemplative, solidifying his role as an unforgettable centerpiece in this powerful production.

But a great actor can only do exceptional work when the script they have to work with allows it. The books to these plays by Clint Dyer and Roy Williams allows it. They are such intelligent pieces of writing, delving into issues of identity, race, and national consciousness with a clarity and insight that is rare. Each line is crafted with precision, contributing to a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is engaging, and they do it all with wit, humour, and total raw honesty. Never have I seen Theatre that made my experience of Britain feel so seen and understood.

The staging of the production is brilliantly clever, enhancing the narrative in ways that are both subtle and profound. The set design sees the stage turned into a St George’s Cross, and the way the red of the cross is used in Delroy particularly is beyond powerful. Set pieces adorn the walls of the theatre, switched out from one show to the next whilst the St George’s Cross stays strong in the centre - a metaphor perhaps for how we all live in England but England isn’t the same for us all. Picked up and brought into the story by Michael and Delroy, the set seamlessly integrates with the book, creating a dynamic and immersive environment that draws the audience into the character’s world. Each element of the stage is used to its full potential, making the space feel alive and responsive to the unfolding drama.

Particularly noteworthy is the sound design, which is nothing short of inspired. It creates an intimate and visceral experience, making you feel as though you exist within Michael and Delroy’s heads. The auditory elements are so finely tuned that they amplify the emotional resonance of the performance, allowing the audience to connect with both men’s internal struggles on a deeply personal level, to feel as though we are their thoughts that they are speaking to, and about, and with.

The pacing is perfect, maintaining a tension and momentum that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. Clint Dyer’s vision is clear and compelling, guiding the performance to its powerful conclusion in both plays.

Death of England is a true state of the nation masterpiece, a work that speaks to our times with a voice that is both urgent and timeless. It is a production that will leave you breathless and profoundly moved, and also inspired to speak to the people around you with more honest interest in what they have to say. And that is a testament to the power of theatre to reflect and shape our understanding of the world. This is a must-see performance that will resonate long after the final (metaphorical) curtain falls.

There’s a line in Michael - “Nationalism. Not to be confused for Patriotism.” Death of England might just be the most patriotic piece of Theatre of the 21st century.