Coogan stuns in this timely theatrical adaptation

Armando Iannucci and Sean Foley’s stage adaptation of Dr. Strangelove faced the challenge of reimagining the 1964 Stanley Kubrick classic, but with some clever tweaks and inventive set design, they were largely successful in delivering a strong – if slightly safe – production. The adaptation, held at the Noel Coward Theatre, faithfully recreates the absurdity and dark humour of the original film, while breathing new life into the source material.

With Foley’s creative direction and Iannucci’s political satire background (he wrote for The Thick of It and Veep), the production was in capable hands. It faced the honour and challenge of the first adaption of Kubrick’s film, which tackles a spiraling nuclear crisis. In both mediums, a paranoid US General, launches a bomb attack on Russia to “pre-taliate” against an assault he believes is coming. It is up to Captain Mandrake and the members of the War Room to prevent the catastrophe.

Coogan had big shoes to fill, stepping into the multiple roles played by Peter Sellers in the original version. He acted as not only the titular character but also the reserved Captain Mandrake and the easily flustered U.S. President Muffley. While Sellers stuck to those three roles, Coogan goes a step beyond and also portrays the cowboy-hearted Major Kong (originally played by Slim Pickens) in the second half of the play. Seamlessly switching between the German, English, and American accents, Coogan displays an acting masterclass, aided by clever staging tricks, allowing him to inhabit multiple characters within minutes without missing a beat.

Sellers (left) and Coogan’s (right) takes on Dr Strangelove

The star is joined by a stellar cast. John Hopkins shines as the rogue General Ripper, and it was a delight to see him with a beaming smile during the curtain bow. His approach to the character, while respectful to Sterling Hayden’s original portrayal, brings a timely relevance that resonates with today’s audience. His delivery and ability to glide between manic intensity and sharp comedic timing made him the standout performance of the night. The hilarious Giles Terera offers a delightfully amplified performance as the gum-chewing General Turgidson to balance out Coogan’s more restrained President Muffley. Tony Jayawardena’s interpretation of Russian Ambassador Bakov is a welcome addition, bringing a surprising warmth to the tense War Room scenes.

The supporting cast takes on a key role in both driving the narrative forward and facilitating smooth transitions during set shifts. This fluidity perfectly complements Hildegard Bechtler’s clever set designs, making the spaces continuously engaging throughout. If anyone is familiar with the Kubrick movie, they might have wondered how the production would pull off its numerous iconic settings, including the cockpit of a B-52 bomber plane which makes its appearance after the interval. With the use of screens, rolling sets, and creative scene changes, the production perfectly captures the feel of the original movie, while adding a touch of theatrical energy. Each setting feels like it could be its own play, and each transition adds to the mounting tension.

The stage version of the War Room

While the production stays true to the spirit of Kubrick’s 1964 classic, it also incorporates a contemporary energy that elevates the original material. The play, much like the film, highlights the absurdity of the nuclear threat, while incorporating references to current global issues, such as the crisis in Israel. These timely inclusions remind the audience that the core themes of paranoia and political turmoil are still ever-present today. Whether you’re a political satire enthusiast, a fan of Coogan, or a lover of Kubrick’s work, this production is worth checking out.