Russell Tovey is electrifying the Donmar Warehouse with his tour-de-force performance in The Guilty, a gripping police thriller that will leave you gasping for air. This adrenaline-fuelled stage adaptation of the 2018 Danish film 'Den Skyldige' is directed by Felix Barrett, co-founder of immersive theatre pioneers Punchdrunk – and it's a game-changer.
The play hurtles forward like a runaway train as Tovey's Joe, a night-shift police officer in a control room, becomes obsessed with unravelling the mystery of Emily's emergency call. As he digs deeper, the lines between right and wrong start to blur, and Joe begins to take matters into his own hands – but at what cost? The twists are as sharp as a razor, and that final reveal is an absolute gut-punch.
Chloë Moss's adaptation for the stage ramps up the tension with her volatile portrayal of Joe, while also delving deeper into his family life. It's a masterstroke – drawing parallels between Emily's tragic situation and Joe's own struggles with mental health and feelings of abandonment. The result is a play that's both thought-provoking and heart-wrenching.
The production is a technical marvel, with Felix Barrett's direction and Alex Eales's set design combining to create an immersive experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Anna Watson's lighting is nothing short of breathtaking – and those phone calls? Absolutely convincing. It's a testament to the cast and crew's hard work that every single element comes together seamlessly, creating a thrilling ride that will leave you breathless.
While some have noted that the play's ending may feel slightly ideological in its treatment of police violence, it's hard to argue with the overall impact of this visceral drama. The Guilty is a white-knuckle thrill-ride that will stay with you long after the curtain falls – and Russell Tovey is the star of the show.
This 70-minute whodunit may leave you questioning what's real and what's just a product of Joe's fevered imagination. But one thing's for sure – it's an unforgettable theatrical experience that will have you on the edge of your seat until the very end.