West End
What it’s About
Cyrano de Bergerac is, in many ways, the original “friend zone” story — a man so in love that he becomes the voice and the wit of the man his beloved actually loves. What begins as a comedic love triangle and extraordinary sword play, it becomes something far more painful: a man actively participating in his own invisibility.
In 17th Century France, Cyrano, a brilliant poet and swordsman, is in love with Roxane. Convinced that his appearance will put her off, he hides his feelings and instead helps the handsome but inarticulate Christian woo her. Cyrano feeds him words and the already precarious situation threatens to come crumbling down when the two men are sent off to battle (the Thirty Years War).
This adaptation by Simon Evans (also the director) and Debris Stevenson for the RSC, brings a contemporary clarity to the text without stripping away its romance, comedy or emotional weight.
Adrian Lester at His Finest
At its centre, is an outstanding Adrian Lester. Charismatic, witty and effortlessly commanding, he perfectly captures Cyrano’s razor-sharp intelligence and wonderfully dry humour, whilst keeping his vulnerability close to the surface.
Lester handles the play’s shifts from comedy to heartbreak with remarkable ease, drawing the audience in with laughter before quietly breaking their hearts.
More Than a Simple Love Triangle
Susanna Fielding as Roxane matches Lester’s performance perfectly – and is refreshingly intelligent and self-possessed. She brings lightness and a dry humour to her performance which is lovely to watch. Their scenes together have warmth, humour and genuine affection, which make the emotional stakes feel even more devastating.
Alongside her is Levi Brown as Christian de Neuvillette, who plays him with an easy, unforced sincerity. He is not a caricatured fool, which is a relief; and Brown keeps him grounded and likeable, and slightly stranded in the wrong story.
The World of Cyrano
The costumes by Grace Smart are beautifully realised. They are rich in period detail and quietly expressive, helping to root the production firmly in its time. Her set design too is simple yet practically effective. Also, Joshie Harriette’s lighting is excellent throughout, and helps to create the production’s shifting emotional landscape.
The best touch though is ‘Cyrano’s band’ and their presence on stage, and also in two boxes in the auditorium throughout the show. This really helps to connect the audience to the stage and immerse them – whilst Alex Baranowski’s composition provides beautiful underscoring.
Final Thoughts
Very funny, clever and immersive, this Cyrano de Bergerac is an easy evening in the best sense – lively, well-paced, and full of energy, with swordplay, romance and sharp exchanges all handled with real confidence.
At its centre is the familiar figure of Cyrano — poet, soldier, lover — a man built for expression in every form except the one that matters most to him. That tension between brilliance and self-denial is really what the evening rests on.
A thoroughly enjoyable revival, with enough depth beneath the surface to stay with you afterwards.
Written by Helena Featherstone
Photo by Marc Brenner
Get your tickets here! – https://buytickets.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/tickets/series/COWCDB
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