Dr. Strangelove
Rating: ★★★★
Venue: Noël Coward Theatre, London
Cast: Steve Coogan, Giles Terera, John Hopkins, Oliver Alvin-Wilson, Penny Ashmore, Ben Deery, Richard Dempsey, Mabli Gwynne, Mark Hadfield, Tony Jayawardena, Tom Kelsey, Daniel Norford, Dharmesh Patel, Adam Sina, Alex Stoll and Ben Turner

Seven-time BAFTA Award winner Steve Coogan stars in the first ever adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s comedy masterpiece Dr. Strangelove. With a world-renowned creative team led by BAFTA and Emmy Award winner Armando Iannucci and Olivier Award winner Sean Foley, this explosively funny satire of mutually assured destruction will leave a whole new generation of audiences laughing and afraid.

Dr. Strangelove: A Dark Comedy Brilliance That Laughs in the Face of Doom

Dr. Strangelove is a daring, darkly humorous adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s iconic 1964 film, and this new stage production pulls off an incredible feat: blending the tension of Cold War politics with the absurdity of human folly. Steve Coogan takes the lead here, stepping into Peter Sellers’ legendary shoes by portraying not three but four characters—a feat he handles with seamless charisma and comic brilliance. His performances alone are worth the ticket, but the show has much more to offer.

Set against the backdrop of an impending nuclear apocalypse, Dr. Strangelove dives into the political chaos of the era. With the U.S. and Soviet Union poised for mutual destruction, we witness the frantic debates and absurd decisions that underscore just how close we once were to a nuclear nightmare. Yet, surprisingly, this dismal premise is brought to life with unexpected joy, wit, and hilarity—a testament to the production’s clever writing and unique staging.

The show opens with an unforgettable scene: characters in military regalia sing and dance to “Try a Little Tenderness.” Right from this quirky entrance, we know we’re in for a wild ride where political seriousness meets absurdity—a blend that feels both nostalgic and surprisingly relevant. Coogan’s first character, Captain Mandrake, takes on the spiralling madness of General Ripper, the one man with the codes to stop the impending American nuclear strike. Their exchanges are rapid-fire and riotous, highlighting the ridiculous lengths power struggles can reach.

Hildegard Bechtler’s set design is impressive, managing quick, seamless scene changes between the iconic War Room and the General’s office by using a revolving stage. Each transition is backed by a bold rendition of “When Johnny Comes Marching Home,” which sets the tone for each scene with an intensity that replaces the typical silence of scene changes with energy and anticipation. This continuous callback to the familiar tune is both fitting and rousing—a small touch that adds to the production’s unique flair.

The War Room scenes stand out as a highlight. With a vibrant set and a gallery of satirical characters, each political figure clashes and contrasts hilariously, embodying the stubbornness and arrogance that characterizes high-stakes negotiations. These scenes are where Coogan, in his role as the eccentric Dr. Strangelove, truly shines. Appearing first on a screen before rolling onstage in a wheelchair with robotic limbs (a brilliant, darkly comic reference to his past as a Nazi scientist), Coogan brings out Strangelove’s absurd mannerisms, from his jarring accent to his uncontrollable Nazi arm salutes, poking fun at history’s disturbing echoes.

But Coogan doesn’t steal the show alone. The cast’s dynamic, particularly in the War Room, allows each character’s unique absurdities to shine. Whether it’s the Russian Ambassador insisting on fish on a Wednesday amidst the chaos or the group’s laughable attempts to choose a “suitable” U.S. city for the Russians to obliterate—Stoke and Jerusalem are tossed into the mix—the production takes every opportunity to mock the stupidity that often underlies critical political decisions. A witty line about needing “better gender balance” in the male-dominated War Room is an ironic reminder of how little has changed.

Coogan’s talent at character-switching is nothing short of extraordinary. His President (complete with a sly reference to wishing “the other guy had won”) and Dr. Strangelove bring razor-sharp humour and precision, poking fun at America’s sunny “can-do” attitude and the President’s frustration with his job—a clear nod to recent political realities. Coogan’s timing, expressions, and quick costume changes are flawless, heightening the show’s impact with each character shift.

This production of Dr. Strangelove is a brilliant mix of wit, satire, and sobering reflection. With its quick pace, comic depth, and biting commentary on both history and today’s political landscape, it’s not only a joy to watch but also timely, resonating with current global tensions. The final scene, where Vera Lynn’s “We’ll Meet Again” is sung by the show’s only female character, brings everything together in an ironic and chillingly beautiful farewell to the chaos we’ve just witnessed.

Playing at the Noël Coward Theatre until January 25, Dr. Strangelove is a must-see—a masterfully executed blend of sharp satire and laugh-out-loud absurdity. This isn’t just a play; it’s a reminder of how close we’ve come to the edge and how, somehow, we’ve laughed our way through it all.

You can book tickets to Dr. Strangelove, here.

Review by Alex

**photo credit: Manuel Harlan**