A stunning piece of beautifully acted theatre is thoroughly enjoyed by Ian Waller
It’s been 700 years since the previous pope resigned, and yet in Rome 2013, Pope Benedict XVI is considering breaking centuries of tradition and making exactly that same move again. First, however, he must face his own inner spiritual confrontations and persuade his chosen successor, Cardinal Bergoglio, to take over the role.
So begins the premise of The Two Popes, a beautifully written, skilfully acted and creatively produced retelling of this historic event that is currently showing at the Theatre Royal Bath. The result is engrossing, thought provoking, humorous and ultimately hugely enjoyable, while throughout considering concepts of duty, belief, self-worth and conscience.
The Two Popes starts with Pope Benedict XVI (Anton Lesser) sharing his emerging plans for retirement with his friend and confidante Sister Brigitta (Lynsey Beauchamp) during a visit to her humble flat for a traditional German dinner and the chance to watch their favourite TV programme. While the setting and friendship between the two displays his desire to return to a more simple existence, the magnitude of the Sister’s shock at his plans and the level of consternation that he will inevitably face if he goes through with them is a powerful representation of the dichotomy with which he struggles.
Across the world in Argentina, Cardinal Bergoglio (Nicholas Woodeson) is similarly considering the end of his years of service, again looking for a simple life and eagerly waiting for his letter of resignation to receive the papal signature of approval.
It’s when the two central characters are brought together within the stately setting of the Sistine Chapel that their roles in each other’s future becomes so intertwined, with the traditional Pope Benedict and the non-conformist Cardinal initially so contradictory, and yet both sharing frustrations, dark pasts and self doubt.
The success of the production is in no small part down to the incredible performances by Woodeson and Lesser, so utterly convincing and beautifully crafted. Both bring a real humanity to the parts, showing their characters’ flawed personalities and vulnerabilities beneath their beliefs and public personas, alongside both a deep sense of commitment to their chosen path and wistful reminiscences of what might have been. Both totally inhabit their characters, Lesser, old and unsure as he feels the weight of his age and office, Woodeson a passionate Argentinian, with a love of football and a desire to modernise.
There’s also a real skill here in that the tale is told without it coming across as judging the religious practices that are so central to all these men hold dear, but instead brilliantly highlighting the everyday doubts and dreams that challenge even two such powerful people who have a core influence on the lives of more than a billion followers.
Throughout, the creative sets and wonderful choreography of the stagecraft gives the production a smooth flow which helps to enhance the drama of the tale and the focus of central character’s inner turmoil.
The Two Popes is an incredible piece of theatre to be enjoyed whatever your own religious views, while also shining a light of the practices of the Catholic church and its place within a modern world. A real highlight of the theatrical year and so worth going to see.
The Two Popes run at the Theatre Royal Bath until 29 October. For more information and to book tickets, go to https://www.theatreroyal.org.uk/