Wyndham’s Theatre, London – until 12th July 2025
Reviewed by Celia Armand Smith
3***
“My Master Builder” by playwright Lila Raicek is a reworking of the Ibsen classic. Reimagined for modern audiences, Michael Grandage’s new production offers an exploration of legacy, guilt, and how the past can pull you back in. Set on 4th July in the beautiful Hamptons home of superstar architect Henry and his publishing bigwig wife Elena, Henry is unveiling his latest project – the old Whalers’ church. A huge glass pyramid like structure built in memory of their son Max who had died on the site ten years previous. To celebrate, Elena throws a party and invites friends and colleagues, past and present.
Elena has invited a former student, Mathilde/Hilde, with whom Henry had a not so secret student/teacher tryst a decade earlier. Mathilde happens to be the best friend of Elena’s assistant Kaia, who happens to be in a secret relationship with Henry’s protege Ragnar who is also the object of Elena’s desires. As you probably guessed, this all makes for a messy night of making and breaking of relationships and hearts.
Ewan McGregor as Henry, back on the stage for the first time in nearly 20 years, is definitely an exciting bit of casting but it is Kate Fleetwood as Elena who is the real star of the show. Whilst the character of Henry seems a bit sad and desperate, Fleetwood’s Elena is a fiery tour de force plus she gets all the best lines in the show. The tension between Elena and Elizabeth Debicki’s Mathilde is palpable from the get go, the women’s story is much the most interesting thing about this play. Mirren Mack’s Kaia adds another female viewpoint and she is also excellent in her portrayal of the put upon assistant. David Ajala as Ragnor provides some lightness and laughs which is a nice contrast to the tangle of relationships in which everyone is involved.
The real star of the show is Richard Kent’s beautiful set. A dreamy blue seascape and wind blown grasses sit behind large wooden window frames and doors complete with Paule Constable’s deliciously balmy lighting. A compellingly serene setting for a tumultuous night of drama.
It’s always good to experience a classic play projected through a different lens and My Master Builder shines a light on some stellar performances and an utterly gorgeous set. Some of the themes could have been explored with a bit more depth and some of the characters lacked a bit of oomph, but the talent on stage keeps things moving right up until the dramatic ending. This modern drama with a 19th Century foundation is an enjoyable watch.