Boris Godunov - Swan Theatre, Stratford
Alexander Pushkin's classic tale of a Tsar with blood on his hands was adapted by Adrian Mitchell and is directed by Michael Boyd in this noisy and assured production which begins in 16th century dress and ends in modern uniforms.
In two hectic hours, with echoes of Richard III and Macbeth, it traces the bleak, inevitable lesson of Russian history, that no matter how many times you replace a tyrant, you always end up with a tyrant.
What an amazing repertory company the RSC has assembled for this season. There are no big names but some of the performances last night hint at greatness to come. Lloyd Hutchinson is a dour Godunov, resigned to all that fate brings him and Gethin Anthony rages satisfyingly as the pretender-Tsar, Grigory.
But the two outstanding performances come from Jake Fairbrother who commands the stage as a tall, dynamic nobleman Gavrila Pushkin, and Lucy Briggs-Owen as the Polish princess, Maryna, who reduces love to a deliciously chilling and emotionless question of power.
Boris Godunov is at the Swan Theatre until March 30
By Peter Rhodes
