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Cold War is a beautiful love story. Echoes of Dr Zhivago and Romeo and Juliet permeate throughout this wonderful performance directed by Rupert Goold based on the book by Conor McPherson in turn adapted from Pawlikowski’s film. Cold War commences with rural people auditioning for a performance of traditional Polish folk music. It is here that Zula and Wiktor meet, and their ensuing love forms the central plot to the play.
Set in post war Poland and Paris, Cold War interweaves the political realities of the time – one character disappears during the first act never to return – with the central themes of love and music. The latter takes centre stage quite literally as in addition to the numerous songs within it, the play revolves around the omnipresent piano at which Wiktor composes.
Starting with traditional Polish folk songs, the soundtrack moves towards a more rock and roll beat following the tempestuous journey our lovers undertake. Underlying this is the music of Elvis Costello, including his immortal I Want You.
Elliot Levey as Kaczmarek provides a vitality to the play while Alex Young is excellent as Irena, but it is our two lovers who steal the show.
Luke Thallon is mesmerising as Wiktor. His calmness resembles Omar Shariff in Dr Zhivago or perhaps Gregory Peck in his prime. This contrasts with the volatility of the inch-perfect Anya Chalotra as Zula. The two play off each other to perfection. Their relationship seems totally natural. Zula teases Wiktor while the latter smiles. There is a real sexual chemistry between the two, as the stage disappears.
As no fan of musicals, I found the first act had a bit too much song and dance to it. But the power of the performances kept me intrigued. In the second act, Cold War blossoms, as we get to understand the two central characters more thoroughly, as well as their complex relationship, not just with each other but with their native Poland, as they find life in a free yet shallow Paris intolerable.
The play moves at a wonderful pace to its inevitable conclusion with grace and beauty, reflecting the tragic inevitability of both time and country.
Cold War Plot
Set in Poland in 1949, Cold War features singer Zula, and composer Wiktor who are drawn to each other and dream of escaping communist Poland. This is a love story that spans decades.
Cold War Full Cast
Anya Chalotra, Elliot Levey and Luke Thallon, Ali Goldsmith, Ryan Goscinski, Elliot Harper, Ediz Mahmut, Anastasia Martin, Alžbeta Matyšáková, Jordan Metcalfe, Katarina Novkovic, Sophie Maria Wojna and Alex Young.
Director: Rupert Goold; Music Supervisor, Orchestrator and Arranger: Simon Hale; Choreographer: Ellen Kane; Set Designer: Jon Bausor; Costume Designer: Evie Gurney; Lighting Designer: Paule Constable; Sound Designer: Sinéad Diskin; Musical Director: Jo Cichonska; Casting Director: Amy Ball CDG
Performances
Thursday 30 November 2023 – Saturday 27 January, 2024.
Tickets
To purchase a ticket click here.
