Review: Stereophonic at Duke of York’s Theatre

16 Jun

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Five Stars)

With a runtime of 3 hours and 10 minutes, Stereophonic at the Duke of York’s Theatre may sound like a theatrical marathon, but it's time exceptionally well spent. This is a slow-burn of a play that fully immerses you in its world. Rather than rushing through plot points, Stereophonic luxuriates in its pacing, offering a richly detailed portrait of artistic collaboration and unravelling.

Already having made history as the most Tony-nominated play ever, Stereophonic more than lives up to the hype. Set in a recording studio in California, the play unfolds over a year between 1976 and 1977 as a fictional band (bearing more than a passing resemblance to Fleetwood Mac) attempts to record an album between in-fighting, copious amounts of drugs, and their romantic relationships with each other imploding.

Daniel Aukin’s direction leans into the play’s deliberate pace, finding astonishing depth in the pauses and moments of silence where nothing - and yet everything - is said. This is not so much a plot-driven piece. Instead, it's an absorbing study of creative friction, toxic intimacy, and collaboration under pressure.

Arcade Fire’s Will Butler provides original music that perfectly captures the era and is integral to the production since, although Stereophonic is a play and not a musical, the music is so important to the story being told. Ryan Rumery’s sound design is similarly exceptional.

David Zinn’s set design transports the audience straight into a 1970s California recording studio with remarkable detail and authenticity. The entire play unfolds within this single, meticulously crafted space, with warm tones, scattered cushions, and bean bags all conjuring a lived-in, creatively chaotic environment. At the centre sits the recording console, the nerve center of the play, and behind a glass wall lies the instrument-filled recording booth, from which the band record their songs. Enver Chakartash’s costumes also transport the play into the 70s era, full of bell-bottoms and platform heels.

David Adjmi’s script is witty and detailed, ensuring all characters feel well-developed. The entire ensemble performing these characters on stage is superb. Andrew R. Butler and Eli Gelb reprise their roles as sound engineers Charlie and Grover, offering moments of levity and humour as they attempt to stay sane amidst the chaos of the band members around them. Zachary Hart, Lucy Karczewski, Jack Riddiford, Chris Stack, and Nia Towle bring depth and honesty to their portrayals of the band members, each performance detailed and utterly convincing.

Stereophonic runs at Duke of York’s Theatre until 11th October 2025.

Tickets are available here: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/stereophonic/duke-of-yorks-theatre/