There are some theatre experiences where you leave the auditorium thinking, “That was good.” And then there are the rare ones where you leave completely exhilarated, slightly emotional and wondering what on earth you have just witnessed. Emma Rice’s Tristan & Yseult at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre is definitely the latter, and I absolutely loved it.
At its heart, this is the medieval story of Tristan, a young French knight, and Yseult, the Irish princess he is supposed to escort to Cornwall to marry his uncle, King Mark. After accidentally drinking a love potion, the pair fall hopelessly in love, creating a tragic and chaotic love triangle.
But describing it simply as a medieval love story really doesn’t do this production justice.
From the moment you enter the theatre, you are drawn into “The Club of the Unloved”, with the wonderfully eccentric Love Spotters on stage and roaming the audience. Dressed in balaclavas, anoraks, and binoculars around their necks, they spy on both the audience and the performers. I found myself watching them almost as much as the main action, wondering what they would get up to next.
And that is what I loved most about this production. It is completely bonkers but underneath all the madness is a genuinely moving story about love, loneliness and what it feels like to be unloved.
John Leader and Nandi Bhebhe are wonderful as Tristan and Yseult. Their chemistry is palpable, particularly during the aerial sequences, where they seem to float and dance through the air together. It is beautiful, physical storytelling.
Tom Fox is equally fabulous in the dual role of Morholt and Brangian, switching effortlessly between the two. Initially the source of some of the show’s biggest laughs, Brangian’s journey gradually draws her to the emotional heart of the story, becoming even more poignant as she sacrifices her own chance of love to protect Yseult’s secret.
The aloof “Whitehands” (Stephanie Hockley) is our guide through the story. Initially appearing cool and detached, her final monologue completely drew me in, and by the end, I was hanging on every word.
Matthew Churcher’s Frocin provides some wonderfully silly moments, including an attempt to photograph Tristan and Yseult while being lowered awkwardly on wires. It sounds ridiculous, and it is.
The Love Spotters remain my absolute favourites, though. They dance, act, provide props, play instruments, and comment on the action, while the brilliant live band creates an eclectic soundtrack combining Wagner, Nick Cave, Celtic folk and even heavy metal. It shouldn’t work, but somehow it does.
Emma Rice has created something genuinely magical. There is aerial circus, energetic choreography, slapstick, pop music, audience interaction, and even mambo-style dance breaks, all wrapped around a tragic medieval love story.
What surprised me most was how perfectly the comedy balances the tragedy. One moment I was laughing out loud; the next I was genuinely moved.
Tristan & Yseult is theatrical storytelling at its most inventive, joyful and gloriously eccentric. I came out feeling that I had experienced something rather special.
Beg, borrow or steal a ticket. If this comes anywhere near you, go. You really won’t regret it.
Five stars
Reviewed by Nina Gardner
Tritan and Iseult is playing at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre until 10th October 2026
For tickets and further information see link below
https://www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/whats-on/tristan-yseult
Cast
Tristan John Leader
Yseult Nandi Bhebhe
Kind Mark Edward Rowe
Frocin Matthew Churcher
White Hands Stephanie Hockley
Love Spotter Harry Miller
Love Spotter Mary Johnson
Love Spotter Nigel Sudarkasa
Love Spotter Stu Baker
Love Spotter Philippa Hogg
Creatives
Emma Rice Adaptor and Director
Carl Goose Writer
Anna Maria Murphy Writer
Stu Baker Composer
Bill Mitchell Original Set and Costume Design
Vicki Mortimer Set and Costume Design
Simon Baker Sound Design
Charlie Simpson Associate Sound Design
Malcolm Rippeth Lighting Design
Zoe Spurr Associate Lighting Design
Etta Murfitt Choreography and Intimacy Coordinator
Ian Ross Music Supervisor
Simon Harevey Associate Director
Laura Keefe Associate Director
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