Man and Boy review: Terence Rattigan’s forgotten play is buoyed by a stellar cast

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A star rating of 3 out of 5.

Terence Rattigan’s play, Man and Boy, wasn’t a huge hit when it first came out, but its themes feel surprisingly relevant now.

The play centers on the Antonescu family – a wealthy but dishonest father and his son, who are living in New York City’s Greenwich Village in 1934 – and their strained relationship.

Five years after falling out of touch, Gregor Antonescu suddenly returns to his son Basil’s life with a seemingly simple request. However, Basil is unaware that his father intends to use him as a twisted form of payment in a shady business arrangement.

This play delves into the complex relationship between a father and son, and also examines ideas about right and wrong. Its exploration of unchecked exploitation – where people are taken advantage of without fear of repercussions – feels particularly relevant now, making it a fitting selection for Indhu Rubasingham’s debut as the National Theatre’s artistic director.

Rattigan excels at implying meaning beneath the surface, and this play is a perfect example, creating a tense and confined atmosphere. However, ‘Man and Boy’ can feel a little slow at times, especially when it focuses heavily on the details of the financial crimes. The ending also feels somewhat predictable and overly long.

Despite some underlying problems, this production is saved by the incredible performances of its actors. Laurie Kynaston is particularly brilliant as Basil, a character struggling with inner turmoil, and truly showcases his acting ability during the character’s most emotionally intense scenes.

Nick Fletcher, Leo Wao, and Isabella Laughland deliver fantastic comedic performances, showcasing impressive timing and skillful delivery.

Ben Daniels’s performance is central to this production and certainly deserves attention. In the first act, he portrays a rather exaggerated version of a powerful, manipulative financier. While his skillful acting – which occasionally feels almost like a playful pantomime – is undeniable, it doesn’t quite blend seamlessly with the overall tone of the play.

By the second act, Daniels’s portrayal of Antonescu shifts dramatically to a man who is both mentally and physically broken, delivered in a powerfully raw and vulnerable performance. His once strong and imposing physical presence becomes weak and fragile, marking a truly heartbreaking change.

The creative team made some clever choices that heighten the suspense in Rattigan’s writing. Throughout much of the play, an off-stage drummer provides a soundtrack that matches the action and intensifies the drama.

The set included a large, vintage cinema sign listing the characters and the actors who portrayed them. The sign would light up whenever a character appeared on stage, building anticipation – especially for surprise entrances like that of the Countess Antonescu.

I was really struck by the set design in this production. Georgia Lowe, the set and costume designer, did an incredible job creating a sense of space even with a minimalist stage. The tables weren’t just furniture; they cleverly added layers and subtly hinted at the power relationships between the characters – it was a really thoughtful touch!

While “Man and Boy” might not have a fast-paced plot, this production is saved by the talent and strong performances of its actors and creative team. It’s a particularly relevant play for today’s audiences.

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When and where can I see Man and Boy?

You can currently see ‘Man and Boy’ at the Dorfman Theatre, which is part of the National Theatre complex on London’s Southbank, close to Waterloo Station.

The production is ongoing, and will be running until 14th March 2026.

How to get Man and Boy tickets

I just checked, and there are still some tickets left for ‘Man and Boy’ on TodayTix! But honestly, they seem to be going fast, so if you’re thinking of seeing it, I’d grab them sooner rather than later. You don’t want to miss out!

Authors

Joanna Magill

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2026-02-11 21:08