Review: My Master Builder at Wyndham’s Theatre

30 Apr

⭐⭐ (Two Stars)

In My Master Builder, playwright Lila Raicek reimagines Henrik Ibsen’s 1893 The Master Builder for a modern audience, but the result is a misfire in tone and execution. Directed by Michael Grandage and starring Ewan McGregor in his highly anticipated return to the West End stage after seventeen years, this new production struggles to meet the expectations audiences bring with them to the Wyndham’s Theatre.

The play follows Henry (played by McGregor), an acclaimed architect, and his wife Elena (played by Kate Fleetwood), whose strained marriage unravels further when Henry’s former student Mathilde (played by Elizabeth Debicki), with whom he had an affair a decade prior, makes a surprise appearance as they prepare to unveil Henry’s latest design. The setup teases a provocative look at imbalances of power in relationships and cancel culture, but these themes are left feeling underdeveloped. Raicek’s script suffers from stilted dialogue and a reliance on offstage events from the past, leaving the drama on stage feeling inert and emotionally flat.

McGregor, despite his star power, delivers a surprisingly muted performance, drawing unintended laughter from the audience during what should be emotional peaks of the play and often appearing uncomfortable. In contrast, Debicki and Fleetwood bring nuance to their roles, partially salvaging scenes despite the inconsistent quality of the material. The ensemble is largely ornamental and under-utilised, and the direction at times lacks dynamism, with some scenes feeling static and disconnected.

Despite its narrative flaws, the design for My Master Builder is visually striking. Richard Kent’s set and Paule Constable’s lighting allow us to travel between the sleek lines and glass of Henry’s newly designed building and the richness of the couple’s 1902 Hamptons home, complete with bricked floor and views on to the beach beyond.

Ultimately, while the production has moments of promise, it fails to build a cohesive or compelling structure, ironically undercutting its own architectural metaphor.

My Master Builder runs at Wyndham’s Theatre until 12th July 2025.