Review: The Holy Rosenbergs (Menier Chocolate Factory)

Review by Daz Gale

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One of the greatest aspects of theatregoing is the unrivalled escapism it offers. If the atrocities on the news prove too much, theatre always offers the ability to switch off. Sometimes, though, shows have a timely sense to them, with themes that aren't just relevant but feel like a case of history repeating itself. That is the case with the revival of The Holy Rosenbergs at the Menier Chocolate Factory. Though it was written in 2011 and is set in 2009, its themes draw obvious parallels to real-world events of 2026, but would that make for a play worth worshipping, or one better left in the history books?

The Holy Rosenbergs is set in the Edgware home of the Rosenberg family as the conflicts of current events (in 2009) get all the more personal following the loss of their son. The family in crisis each have their own battle with patriarch David trying to save his failing catering business and desperately trying to clear the family name, his wife Lesley trying to save him, daughter Ruth investigating war crimes in Gaza for the UN against her parents’ wishes, and son Jonny seemingly going off the rails. Over the course of one day, their family home plays host to three visitors, some more welcoming than others, as tempers get heated, truths come out, and relationships within the family dynamic go through their biggest challenges yet.

That might not sound like the cheeriest of plays, but The Holy Rosenbergs fills its first half with humour, gently letting the severity of some of the themes bubble away under the surface in a show that gets progressively darker and more complicated. These complexities are a fine testament to Ryan Craig’s writing, exploring the differences in the family dynamic, both collectively and individually. One of the greatest examples of Craig’s strengths as a writer is in the careful way he plants little seeds while retaining an air of mystery. The play fills its first Act with a plethora of questions as uncertainties about each character's motives and histories come to light. While some writers may rush these revelations, Craig patiently allows each to reveal itself only when the time is right, to a fantastic effect.

What drew me most to Craig’s writing was how natural and believable these conversations were. These are topics that are being discussed in many households around the country, and there was a real relatability to much of the discussion and in some of the characterisations of the Rosenberg family members. I must admit relating to it a bit more than some would, having grown up in Edgware myself, quietly chuckling at every reference to the local area. The four surviving Rosenberg family members were each fascinatingly carved out, and their conflicting beliefs felt starkly real, blurring the lines of the escapism theatre brings and almost making you believe you are watching a real family in their home - again, a testament to the great writing and direction.

Speaking of, Lindsay Posner’s direction lifts Ryan Craig’s writing to a new level, making full use of the intimate yet versatile space at the Menier Chocolate Factory to ensure maximum impact of every moment, be it comical or uncomfortable. A gloriously detailed set design from Tim Shortall gives Posner plenty to work with, but it is in the detail of each character that The Holy Rosenbergs really shines with characteristics that may feel exaggerated to some, and recognisable to others, most notably in family matriarch Lesley (Tracy-Ann Oberman).

The three guests who visit the Rosenberg family throughout the play all have moments of brilliance, though suffer from being less multifaceted than the family members, perhaps for obvious reasons. Still, Alex Zur is an early albeit underused highlight as Rabbi Simon, Dan Fredenburgh creates a tense dinner party as Saul Morganstern, and Adrian Kukis changes the dynamic exponentially in a compelling turn as Sir Stephen Crossley, helping the play race to its finish line in a truly outstanding scene.

It is the Rosenbergs who steal the show, with Nitai Levi bookending the play with an intense and elusive turn as Jonny, Dorothea Myer-Bennett matches Ryan Craig’s writing with a slow-burning turn as Ruth, though gets a marvellous payoff in her final scene transforming what the audience thinks it knows about the character, and proving not everything is as black and white as it might seem. Though there were a handful of fluffed lines on the night, Nicholas Woodeson delivered an impressive performance as David, showcasing a range of emotions that would be expected from a family divided by grief, and getting some sensational moments in the process. Like Myer-Bennett, he saved his best for last with his final scene, among the strongest acting moments in the play.

Though the cast are all talented in their own right, it is Tracy-Ann Oberman who proves the standout in a scene-stealing turn as Lesley. From her first appearance, her mighty stage presence lifts the play to the extent that it almost feels as if there is a hole in any scenes she is not in. Her larger-than-life and overly comical nature provides many of the highlights in the first Act, before matching Craig’s writing by revealing more depth and darkness in the second Act. Oberman delivers a masterclass performance, always astonishing to watch, and ensuring the heavy and topical themes land with the impact they deserve.

What The Holy Rosenbergs lacks in escapism, it more than makes up for in its thought-provoking nature. Its stark relevance makes for a poignant and powerful piece of theatre that asks questions about loyalty and what is right in the world, managing to simultaneously work on a global scale while keeping the action rooted to a singular family. This family may be based in Edgware, but the impact they make can be felt across the world - a reminder that sometimes the more intimate and unassuming moments can have the most devastating effects. The Holy Rosenbergs is an important story to tell, and another reminder of why the Menier Chocolate Factory is often one of the most exciting and interesting theatres to visit in London.

The Holy Rosenbergs plays at Menier Chocolate Factory until 2nd May. Tickets from https://allthatdazzles.londontheatredirect.com/play/the-holy-rosenbergs-tickets

Photos by Manuel Harlan