Review: PHOTOGRAPH 51, The Noel Coward Theatre, 14 September 2015

Anna Ziegler's new play Photograph 51 is one of this year's more anticipated theatrical events, in part due to its star-studded cast: Nicole Kidman and Stephen Campbell-Moore take the lead, under the wonderful direction of Michael Grandage. This production seems to be all I have come to expect from the Michael Grandage Company: it is brave, articulate and just plain interesting.

Set about a ten minute walk from the Noel Coward Theatre, at King's College London's Strand campus, Photograph 51 is about one of science's more remarkable women, Dr Rosalind Franklin. Dr Franklin left post-war Paris for the altogether grimmer post-war London, to undertake research with Dr Maurice Wilkins of King's College. Despite their less than harmonious nature working relationship, Franklin and Wilkins - along with the assistance of James Watson and Dr Don Caspar - made significant progress in the field of genetics, learning about the structure of DNA and ultimately enabling countless medical discoveries. Ziegler's script really is excellent, striking a happy balance between the science of which presumably few theatre-goers will have a significant grasp, but leaving one with an undeniable sense of its importance, for medicine and for the scientists in whose story Photograph 51 makes its audience so invested.

Despite her glamorous reputation, Nicole Kidman was very believable as the careful, rather severe Dr Franklin. Kidman's resonant voice (complete with a great English accent) and direct demeanour were coupled with an awkward and held posture, creating a simple yet authentic ghost of this remarkable woman. Kidman, Will Attenborough and Patrick Kennedy by turn allow us glimpses into the wonder, fervour and joy of scientific discovery. Stephen Campbell-Moore was unrecognisable and wonderful as Dr Wilkins - he could have wandered into the theatre from any of London's more traditional universities. This transformative, intelligent and extremely moving performance ought to gain him at least an Olivier nomination.

The rest of the cast were very strong, with Patrick Kennedy's portrayal of Don Caspar being particularly enjoyable. Will Attenborough brought intensity and humour to the show, particularly in his engagement with Francis Crick, who was played by Edward Bennett. Joshua Silver completed the scientific set; though all the actors were excellent, their ensemble performance was truly greater than the sum of its parts. Michael Grandage has, once again, created a vibrant fascinating environment, allowing us some insight into this closeted world, and engrossed us in the stories of those who inhabit it. This is the kind of theatre Britain should be most proud of.

Christopher Oram's set was also noteworthy; its earthy presence was a pleasant contrast to the play's clinical subject matter, perhaps reminding audiences of the real world, everyday implications of Franklin and Wilkins's work. The only possible source of contention is that Kidman is the cast's only woman. A 2015 boys' club for theatre is the unfortunate result of dramatically highlighting what a boys' club science was in the 1950s. However, this is merely a tiny gripe - the issue is well-addressed within the play and the benefits of telling Franklin's story and discussing female inclusion in science outweigh the cost.Seeing such inequality before your eyes is an effective way of hammering the problem home.

All in all, this is an exciting new play and worth watching - Michael Grandage's affordable ticket schemes mean this show is more affordable than most. Do be warned, though, that if you have an affiliation with King's College London, you may leave with a slight grudge against the University of Cambridge...

Photograph 51 runs at the Noel Coward Theatre until 21 November 2015.

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