The Blinding Light

Tom opened his first season as Artistic Director of Jermyn Street Theatre by directing the world premiere of Howard Brenton’s new play about the life of August Strindberg. His production was nominated for four OffWestEnd Awards including Best Director.

The Blinding Light is about Strindberg’s notorious breakdown in Paris in 1896, which he called his ‘Inferno period’. Abandoning theatre, living a life of squalid splendour,  Strindberg practices alchemy. In his hotel room he attempts to make gold from lead by finding the philosopher’s stone, the secret of creation. As his view of reality disintegrates, his first two wives visit him to bring him to his senses. But their interventions spin out of control. And – are they really his wives at all?

This production is a Jermyn Street Theatre commission.

★★★★★ “It is altogether a great treat … Fabulous.” Libby Purves

★★★★★“A beautiful piece of theatre.” Reviews Hub

★★★★ “A cracking new play … Jasper Britton’s superlative performance.” The Independent

★★★★ “This rich new play by Howard Brenton juggles big themes with breathtaking agility … A treasure.” The Times

★★★★ “A magnetic cast … mesmerising.” Daily Mail

★★★★ “Littler pitches proceedings perfectly.” Financial Times

★★★★ “Brenton charts Strindberg’s psychotic breakdown with flair in a compelling and at times hilarious play.” Arts Desk

★★★★ “Jasper Britton gives a superb performance.” London Box Office

★★★★ “Excellent performances by all four actors.” LondonTheatre

Creative Team

Writer – Howard Brenton

Set Design – Cherry Truluck and Alberta Jones for Lucky Bert

Lighting Design – William Reynolds

Composer and Sound Designer – Max Pappenheim

Associate Director – Stella Powell-Jones

Cast

Jasper Britton, Gala Gordon, Susannah Harker, Laura Morgan