Cast: Max Irons, Rachel Tucker, Shaun Williamson, Josh O’Connor, Aysha Kala, Andrew Whipp, Alain Terzoli
Synposis: Stephen Bellamy (Max Irons) is a bright young man with a ruthless political ambition. When Stephen receives an unexpected phone call at a crucial period in the presidential campaign he is working on, a decision made in the heat of the moment unleashes a chain of events even he can’t control.
Farragut North, named after a Metro station in Washington D.C, is a political drama with its groundings firmly in real life American politics. Writer Beau Willimon spent time in 2004 working on the presidential campaign for Democratic nominee Howard Dean and his script is based on his experiences during that time.
Amidst the humdrum of the hotel rooms and conventions of a presidential campaign often lies the real stories; the politics behind the politics. Stephen Bellamy (Max Irons) is a high flying press secretary who, at 25, has ten years of political experience behind him and more campaigns than those twice his age. He’s a political hot shot who enjoys his status; sharing in-jokes with reporters from The Times and brushing off his younger colleagues with flagrant dismissal. It’s only when an out-of-the-blue phone call from the rivals’ campaign manager forces Stephen to consider whether he is really on the winning team that we see him take a step back and consider his position. Confused as to whether to accept an exciting new job offer, go with his principals and what to tell his boss, he faces the choices that lead to his unraveling.
From the moment he steps onto the stage Irons makes his presence felt; whether it’s his high-flying cockiness at the beginning of the fateful 24 hours or the bitter, angry and dejected man who must face the consequences of his actions. Sure he exacts his revenge; but at what price? Irons portrays Stephen’s lust for power with a mesmerizing assuredness and manages to evoke a small slither of empathy in his downfall.
Josh O’Connor as Ben, Stephen’s young prodigy (not that Stephen has much to do with Ben’s rise through the ranks) adds a welcome humour to the proceedings with his puppy dog reverence of his idol. Reminiscent of the stature of Benedict Cumberbatch his poise and substance of his delivery in the final scene show how far the character has come and really are impressive to watch.
Farragut North has great pacing with no lingering pauses or breaks. It speeds along through encounters in the first half and barely allows the audience time to think. Slightly more melancholic timing in the second act gives us time to collect our thoughts just as Stephen must do to regain his position and dignity. A confident piece of story telling with excellent performances – Farragut North is a terrific insight into contemporary politics and everything that comes along with it.
Farragut North is playing at the Southwark Playhouse until October 5th and you can book your tickets here
