Review: INTERVIEW, Riverside Studios

Photo credit: Helen Murray

“Just the truth or someone’s version of it”. Interview’s tagline lets us know that we’re in for 90 minutes of twists, unreliable narration and ethical debates - and it definitely delivers.

Robert Sean Leonard accurately captures the disgruntlement of passed-up political journalist Pierre Peters, who opens the play by complaining to his bed-ridden colleague Theo about his latest assignment: interviewing successful influencer-turned-actress Katya. Pierre’s frustration at the lowness of this gig seemingly knows no bounds, calling Katya “some girl who probably thinks impeachment is a kind of moisturiser”. This nicely establishes that the interview in question is taking place on the night of the US President’s impeachment. Pierre goes to Katya’s house thinking he has better places to be.

They don’t get off to a strong start. Katya lets Pierre into her swanky apartment an hour late, proudly declaring it was her idea to have the interview in her home and she’s ready to tell all. Pierre sits awkwardly on her sofa and starts reading off pre-approved questions, but it’s Katya who does most of the interrogating. She asks what he thinks of her latest movie, to which he admits: he hasn’t seen it. She accuses him of bad journalism and being the typical older white man who tries his hardest to put her in a box. Pierre mocks her limited view of the real world - “My people at the entertainment desk” - and point-blank tells her he doesn’t think what she does is real.

One of the strongest aspects of the piece is its discussion of the impermanence of a reputation built on social media. The play cleverly uses tech to show Katya going “live” to her 1000s of fans, earning a big laugh when Pierre is forced to be on screen. Katya defends her desire to be seen. She argues: “who doesn’t want that”? These characters don’t appear to have much in common, but Katya points out that they both tell stories - it’s just up to interpretation who is more authentic in doing so.

The acting is strong throughout, maintaining a good energy that keeps audiences eager to know what happens next. Despite Paten Hughes’ slightly monotone line delivery, she both meets and subverts our expectations of an influencer. Katya is sharper, funnier, more self-aware than Pierre expects her to be: she acknowledges that sex and beauty is a currency in her business. The unfolding romance comes as somewhat of a surprise - especially with the backdrop of Pierre opening up about his daughter - but the older-man-younger-woman trope is a classic in plays about shifting power dynamics.

The piece ends on a dramatic confession scene, exploring their careers, health and how Theo had ended up in the hospital. It leaves one of the characters very much victorious over the other. Whilst effectively done, the ending doesn’t provide much of an emotional reward because it suggests that the interview hasn’t actually changed these characters. They had come to understand each other better throughout their time together - but after, they were back to square one. All we can hope is that Pierre loses some of his arrogance and Katya dumps her boyfriend.

A thoroughly entertaining watch.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Ruby Skippings

Interview plays at London’s Riverside Studios until 27 September, with further info here.