Elizabeth Debicki, acclaimed for her portrayal of Princess Diana in
Netflix's The Crown, and Tony nominee Kate Fleetwood are set to join Ewan
McGregor on stage for the upcoming West End play My Master Builder. This
bold adaptation is written by Lila Raicek and is inspired by Henrik Ibsen’s
1892 classic, The Master Builder. Directed by Michael Grandage, this
eagerly anticipated production will open on April 29 at Wyndham’s Theatre.
McGregor, who has not graced the London stage for 17 years, will play the
ambitious architect Henry Solness. Fleetwood will take on the role of
Elena Solness, Henry’s wife, as the couple prepares to host a celebration for
his latest architectural achievement. The plot thickens with the arrival of
Mathilde, played by Debicki, who shares an intimate past with Henry,
sparking tensions within their already fragile marriage.
The synopsis details the story as “On the eve of July 4th in the Hamptons,
Elena is preparing to throw a party,” but their evening is disrupted by
the unexpected guest, leading to personal reckonings. “Each find themselves
face to face with a reckoning,” deepening their existing vulnerabilities.
Debicki, expressing her excitement about returning to London theatre, remarked,
"Returning to theatre, especially in London, has been a long-held ambition.
Hilde is one of dramatic literature’s most fascinating characters, and Lila’s
adaptation brings her startlingly to the present.” This adaptation aims to
transform the lofty themes of Ibsen’s work to resonate with contemporary
audiences, reflecting on the costs of ambition and generational tensions.
Fleetwood, known for her versatile stage presence, joins the play after her
acclaimed performances, including her Olivier-winning role in Macbeth
on Broadway. She describes Elena as a complex character, embodying the weight
of ambition and emotional stakes involved during this pivotal party.
Completing the cast are David Ajala, known for his work on Star Trek:
Discovery, and Mirren Mack from Sex Education, portraying Ragnar and Kaja.
The ensemble promises to deliver rich performances, with each character
bringing distinct narratives to the overarching themes.
Creative aspects of My Master Builder feature set design by Richard Kent,
lighting by Paule Constable, and sound design by Adam Cork. The production is
produced by Grandage alongside MarketStall and Seaview. Tickets for the play
are currently on sale, with preview performances beginning on April 17, 2025,
and running through July 12, 2025. Enthusiastic ticket buyers can expect prices
beginning at £25, with over 10,000 tickets available at this rate.
This reimagining is notable as it marks the first major reinterpretation of
Ibsen's work within London’s theatrical scene over the last decade. Playwright
Raicek emphasizes the relevance of these discussions, stating, "It examines the
cost of ambition and the generational tensions..." showcasing how Ibsen’s insights
into human nature remain significant today.
The anticipation surrounding this production continues to grow, especially with
the star-studded cast and innovative direction. McGregor shared his enthusiasm,
saying, "It’s such a thrill to be returning to the stage – and to work with
Michael again, an actor’s director... And what a play – I love where Lila has
taken the story, a very modern take on today’s sexual politics." His excitement is
echoed throughout the theatre community as audiences prepare for what promises to
be one of the most talked-about plays of the season.
My Master Builder is shaping up to be more than just another West End production;
it’s positioned as a relevant exploration of ambition, identity, and personal
relationships against the backdrop of modern society. With promising remarks from
the cast and crew, this theatrical work is bound to stimulate discussions and
reflection among its audiences, captivating theatre lovers and newcomers
alike.
For those interested, tickets are available for purchase now, with plans to
experience what could be the pinnacle of this theatre season. Prepare to grab
your seats early as this limited engagement will undoubtedly sell out fast!