Every so often, I encounter a play so powerful and impactful that I know I’ll be reflecting on it and it and sharing my thoughts with others for days to come. The Lehman Trilogy, currently playing at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in London, is one of those rare experiences.
This gripping, epic saga traces the rise and fall of the Lehman family and their financial empire across three generations, skilfully intertwining historical drama with themes of family, ambition, greed, legacy, identity and the American Dream. The performances of the three cast members are exceptional, the staging is inventive and the sharp direction keeps the audience mesmerised from the opening scene to the final climactic moments.
The play, adapted by Ben Power from Stefano Massini’s original script, unfolds over three acts and begins during the financial crash of 2008, with a cleaner who is clearing items from the offices of the recently bankrupted Lehman Brothers. The cardboard-lidded boxes situated around the stage evoke the enduring real-life memories of Lehman Brothers employees leaving their workplace carrying their possessions in similar boxes after the bank’s collapse.
The play then goes back to where it all began, when Hayum Lehman (John Heffernan), a Jewish immigrant from Bavaria, Germany, arrives in Alabama, USA to start a new life. He changes his name to Henry, opens a shop selling fabric and is later joined by his two brothers, Emanuel (Howard W. Overshown) and Mayer (Aaron Krohn), as they come together to build their empire.
The three actors narrate the story while embodying all the characters, slipping in and out of their various roles with effortless ease. With subtle changes in posture, hand gestures, and vocal intonation, the actors transform into a diverse array of individuals, including a three-year-old boy, a devoted wife, an elderly rabbi, a 19th century plantation owner and a modern-day tech bro.
“The play is a masterful display of storytelling at its finest”
The play is a masterful display of storytelling at its finest, superbly directed by Sam Mendes. It flows with an enthralling momentum, transitioning seamlessly between eras and settings. As the narrative unfolds, we witness the triumphs, setbacks, joys and tragedies of the brothers, and their descendants, as they navigate challenges in both their business and personal lives.
The performances are exceptional across the board. John Heffernan shines in a commanding performance as Henry Lehman, the family patriarch, as well as in other roles, including Henry’s son Philip. Heffernan balances authority with sensitivity, masterfully portraying the complex emotions and motivations of his characters. Equally impressive are Howard W. Overshown and Aaron Krohn who skilfully bring depth and nuance to their characters’ distinct personalities and driving forces.
The use of live piano (brilliantly played by Cat Beveridge) provides a continuous score that enhances moments of victory, suspense and heartache in the play. The piano’s tones rise and fall in harmony with the Lehman family’s journey, with subtle shifts in tone that mirror their shifting fortunes. This musical presence feels like a character in its own right, adding texture and emotional depth to the rest of the on-stage action.
Another striking feature of The Lehman Trilogy is its creative staging. The set, designed by Es Devlin, features a minimalist office environment in a rotating glass box that turns as the story moves through different locations and time periods. The use of projections and lighting creates a visually stunning backdrop that enhances the storytelling. Almost everything on stage is black, white or grey, resembling a piece of newsreel footage from part of the era depicted.
The Lehman Trilogy is a theatrical triumph that skilfully blends history, finance, and family drama into a gripping and visually stunning experience. At 3 hours 20 minutes, the play may seem long which could challenge some audiences however, it kept me engaged throughout and the time flew by. If you have the opportunity to see this extraordinary production, don’t miss it.
Need to know: The Lehman Trilogy plays at Gillian Lynne Theatre until 5 January 2025
