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BrumHour saw Cyrano de Bergerac at the invite of The RSC.
By David Fox DavidFoxTheatre
Cyrano de Bergerac at The RSC Swan Theatre: Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐A beautiful, funny, and heartfelt production.
Directed by Simon Evans, by Edmond Rostand, In a new version by Simon Evans and Debris Stevenson
Cyrano de Bergerac tells the story of Cyrano, a brilliant poet, soldier, and philosopher whose wit and passion are matched only by his insecurity about his unusually large nose. Deeply in love with the beautiful Roxane but too proud to confess his feelings, Cyrano lends his eloquence to the handsome yet inarticulate Christian, helping him woo Roxane with words that are, in truth, his own. The result is a poignant and often humorous tale that celebrates not only love and longing but also the enduring power and beauty of language.
There have been many versions of Cyrano de Bergerac over the years — Gerard Depardieu, Steve Martin’s modern update, Roxanne, to the 2019 reimagining at the Birmingham Rep, and Peter Dinklage’s 2024 musical movie. This timeless tale of romance now comes to Stratford’s Royal Shakespeare Theatre in a new adaptation from The RSC. What all versions share is beauty, drama, tragedy, and humour. This latest version is no exception, as new life is brought to this thrilling, lyrical tale of love, lies, longing, and disguise.
Olivier Award-winning actor Adrian Lester delivers a wild and grand performance, truly owning every inch of the stage in this RSC production of Cyrano. His presence is electrifying, from energetic fights and physical performances to moments of profound vulnerability, where he is emotional and tender during the emotional ending. Lester is utterly mesmerising, and it is impossible to take your eyes off him, especially during Cyrano’s wordplay and verbal jousting, where his wit and timing shine. The finale is heartbreaking, leaving a lasting impact with its tragic conclusion. It may be bold to say, but this may be the best performance I have ever seen on the Swan Theatre stage.
Birmingham-born Lester is not the only local star of this show. Halesowen’s Levi Brown (This Town) shines as the love-lorn Christian, bringing an amusing and mischievous quality to the role and clearly enjoying every moment on stage. It was particularly interesting to hear both actors slip into local accents at times throughout the play, adding a charming touch of authenticity. Levi’s energy provides a delightful contrast to Lester’s intensity, making their interactions both entertaining and memorable.
This production is elevated by a fantastic supporting ensemble cast. Susannah Fielding returns to the RSC as Roxanne, bringing a sharp and feisty presence that can match wits with Lester’s Cyrano, and she is utterly devastating at the end when the tragic truth of her missed love hits. Scott Handy shines as Comte de Guiche, delivering brilliant comic support with a decadent, foppish charm and impeccable timing. Christian Patterson’s Ragueneau is equally memorable,avuncular and genial, adding warmth and humanity to the ensemble.
Both set and music are simple but highly effective in their design. The production begins with a theatre-within-a-theatre, drawing the audience into Cyrano’s world and making them feel like participants in his jousting and verbal duels. As the story unfolds, the set cleverly transforms into an inn and then an 18th-century battlefield, seamlessly supporting the shifts in tone and location. The music—simple strings and accordion—adds a haunting, emotional quality, perfectly underscoring both the play’s lighter, playful moments and its deeply tragic ones. Together, they create an atmosphere that is immersive, evocative, and beautifully complements the performances.
Simon Evans masterfully directs a beautiful, funny, and heartfelt production of Cyrano de Bergerac – an absolute masterclass in acting from Adrian Lester and an absolute must-see! Cyrano de Bergerac is at The RSC, Swan Theatre 15th November 2025. Book tickets here: rsc.org.uk/cyrano-de-bergerac
