A THOUGHTFUL AND INTRIGUING PIECE OF THEATRE

By Kara Buffrey | @karabuffrey11 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

Riverside Studios in Hammersmith is a jewel of a venue, and Interview makes perfect use of its intimate, stylish spaces. The theatre itself is modern yet welcoming, set in a prime location right on the Thames. For those making an evening of it, dinner at Sam’s Riverside just next door is highly recommended. The restaurant’s refined but relaxed atmosphere provides the perfect prelude before settling into the sharp, charged drama that follows.

The production is refreshingly stripped back: two performers, one room, and a conversation that shifts, fractures, and deepens as the night unfolds. The concept is bold in its simplicity, and it works beautifully. Without the distraction of a large cast or elaborate staging, the focus rests squarely on the interplay between two people – and on the themes of truth, image, and power in a media-saturated age. It feels both contemporary and timeless, asking questions that resonate beyond the confines of the stage.

Robert Sean Leonard is excellent, bringing wit, gravitas, and a certain weary sharpness to his role. He makes the character entirely believable, his performance carrying an undercurrent of tension that keeps the audience on edge. Opposite him, Paten Hughes is captivating. She has a luminous stage presence, enigmatic, intelligent, and layered. Her character unfolds slowly, revealing complexities that draw the audience in deeper with each scene. Together, the pair share a chemistry that feels both combustible and deeply human.

The pacing overall is strong, but there are moments in the middle where the dialogue loses some of its initial momentum. The play lingers a little too long on certain points, and the energy dips slightly as a result. Yet, this is a minor quibble in an otherwise engaging evening. By the final act, the production finds its stride again, building to a powerful and satisfying conclusion.

Visually, the space is beautiful. The simplicity of the staging enhances the intimacy of the piece, while subtle design choices add texture without distracting from the performances. The overall effect is stylish but restrained, allowing the story to remain front and centre.

In all, Interview is a thoughtful and intriguing piece of theatre. While not flawless in its pacing, the strength of the performances and the elegance of the concept more than make up for it. Combined with Riverside Studios’ stunning location, it makes for a night well worth experiencing.

Interview is running at Riverside Studios until Saturday 27 September.

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Photo Credit: Helen Murray