Exit the King

Olivier Theatre. September 2018.

Janet Hitchen
Sep 4, 2018 · 2 min read

Patrick Marber’s take on Ionesco’s absurdist dark comedy about the death. This is as mad as a box of frogs.

The King must die. He’s been alive for over 400 years and the kingdom is collapsing around him. Only his death can regenerate it.

His first wife Margarite wants to help him die. It’s time. He should go with the dignity and grace befitting a King.

His second wife Marie is less keen on his death and wants to help him live long and louche.

His quack doctor is in it for the glory, his nurse just wants to get on with all the other jobs she’s got to do. The head of the army knows the King needs to go even though he’s been an innovator and creator, he’s also been a despot and dictator.

And the King? He doesn’t want to die. He wants to live. He wants to command the earth and the skies. He wants to have fun with his second wife. He’s clinging on. He’s desperate.

It’s a very interesting exploration of death in society. This is a death you meet head on and accept graciously having prepared for it. How many of us prepare for it? How many of us are like the King?

Rhys Ifans is gloriously bonkers. I’ve loved him on stage for a while now. Protest Song was one of my favourite pieces of theatre. More him please.

Indira Varma was marvellous. Statuesque and graceful with some of the best one-liners. And Adrian Scarborough was mad as toast as the Doc. He never disappoints.

But even though it was 90mins with no interval (my favourite) it seemed to drag in the middle. I checked my watch. But only once. Still…

They saved the best till last though. The use of the Olivier drum gave a dramatic exit to our King. It looked superb. And I love the Olivier theatre for this diversity and technical wizardry.

3/5 A brilliantly bonkers Ifans sees off the King but it was too long (even at 90 mins).

Love a Good Play

Plays, platforms, ballet, music and all the fabulous cultural events I get to experience in London. And what I think of them.

Janet Hitchen

Written by

Laugh, practise yoga, drink tea, eat cake, listen to R4, read lots, digital book clubber, theatre geek, Young Patron of the NT, Mum to Milly, my BT.

Love a Good Play

Plays, platforms, ballet, music and all the fabulous cultural events I get to experience in London. And what I think of them.

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