Adrian Lester takes on the role of Cyrano de Bergerac, the philosopher, soldier, and poet in the new RSC’s adaptation of the play by Simon Evans and Debris Stevenson.

From the moment the play opens, the audience is bought into the immersive action with the stage in chaos and the “director” trying to pull everyone together for his play rehearsals to begin. However, Cyrano is running late, and nothing can start until he arrives.

Cyrano has a wonderful lyrical way with words, and this is delivered with wonderful charm by Lester. However, despite being a romantic wordsmith, vanity rules the heart of his love interest, Roxanne (Susannah Fielding), who has fallen in love with the handsome Baron Christian de Neuvillette played by Levi Brown. However, she has fallen in love with the Baron through his endearing love letters to her, which are actually the words of Cyrano as the Baron is a man of few words when it comes to love.

Cyrano watches from the sidelines as the Baron makes a mess of things, and it is only due to his large disfigured nose that stops him from persuing Roxanne as she couldn’t possibly see who he really is behind his disfigurement!

I particularly liked Cyrano’s travelling companions in the form of “his band.” They appeared wherever he is even when he called to the front line. They are his closest friends abd loyal to the end.

The plays run for just under three hours, although with the energy of the cast and fast-moving storyline, it doesn’t feel that long. As the audience is swept along by the love story and the lyrical words delivered by Lester. A very rich and lengthy script delivered word perfect.

Edmund Rostand’s timeless classic remains relevant today in an age where beauty still appears to be based on looks rather than words and honour.

Cyrano de Bergerac is definitely one worth adding to your “watch list” while it is running in The West End this summer and ends September 5th, 2026.

For more information about Cyrano de Bergerac and to book tickets online, please use the link below.

Five Stars.

Photo credit Marc Brenner.

https://seatplan.com/london/cyrano-de-bergerac-tickets/

Creative team

Simon Evans and Debris Stevenson.

Set and Costume Designer-Grace Smart.

Lighting Designer-Joshie Harriette.

Composer-Alex Baranowski. Sound Designer, Donato Wharton.

Movement Director-Sarita Piotrowski.

Fight and Intimacy Director-Bethan Clark.

Dramaturg-Rebecca Latham for the RSC.

Casting Director-Matthew Dewsbury CDG for the RSC.

Music Director-Josh Sneesby.

Voice and Text-Barbara Houseman.

Associate Director-Lydia McKinley.

Children’s Casting Director Charlie Metcalf for the RSC.