Review: ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST, Old Vic Theatre
Photo credit: Manuel Harlan
Based on Ken Kesey’s novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest follows Randle McMurphy, a rebellious and outspoken convict who is transferred to a psychiatric ward so that he can avoid prison labour. There, he met by the cold and authoritarian Nurse Ratched, who is very controlling over patients. As McMurphy tries to encourage the pagers on the ward to feel a sense of freedom and humanity, the plot intensifies to a powerful and unsettling climax that raises many questions of authority, sanity, and freedom.
This production immediately establishes a distinctive atmosphere with its round setting. The audience closely surround the stage and subsequent action, creating an intimate and immersive experience, blurring the line between observer and participant. This draws the audience directly into the ward’s drama, making them feel complicit in the rise of tensions. Key lighting is used in some of the audience space, which further enhances the sense of close proximity and discomfort.
A folk-infused musical prelude starts the play, led by the mystical presence of Giles Terera, which sets an unexpectedly spiritual tone. Terera’s musicality is effectively used in subtle ways in the play, returning at key moments to deepen the eeriness and emotional texture of the play.
The staging of the psychiatric ward is striking, with stark, high-contrast lighting that reinforces the institutional harshness of the ward. Similarly, the sharp distinction between nurse and patient uniforms is a simple but effective way of reflecting the power imbalance at the heart of the story.
What truly elevates the production is the acting. Each performer displays a distinct and believable character, with even quieter patients being loud through their presence and subtle, continuous physicality. The ensemble strong. There is a palpable energy and cohesion when all the patients are on stage together.
The portrayal of McMurphy by Aaron Pierre is a stand-out, delivering humour and charisma excellently, as well as the right level of insanity. His interactions generate some of the play’s most engaging and funny moments.
Through their conversations, often humorous, or sometimes revealing, the audience start to sympathise with them, seeing beyond their diagnoses to their humanity. This emotional investment makes the eventual climax more impactful and moving.
Music is subtly used, with just filtered 1960s music that feels slightly distorted, representing the quality reminiscent of a hospital environment, which is very impactful. Lighting shifts are skilfully used for scene changes and to intensity moments.
Although this production can feel as though it takes its time establishing characters and relationships, the slow burner feel is what makes the climax more impactful. Similarly, the static nature of the set which predominantly remains largely unchanged can feel as though it limits the visual dynamism. Yet, this also draws attention to the characters and drama more.
This is a compelling, impactful and thoughtful production. While it may take a little time to find its rhythm, audience members are rewarded with rich performances, thrilling staging, and a deep poignant human portrayal. By the end the audience are left to feel unsettled, moved, and unsure of how to feel….which, for One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, feels entirely right.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Alexandra Tullah
