Tilda Swinton solo performance at the latest Royal Court Theatre production, Man to Man, is a chaotic and thought-provoking play. It is nearly four decades since she first performed this play at the Edinburgh Fringe, although this production  has been updated and extra scenes have been added.

Set in 1930s Germany, Ella’s husband Max has died and needs to survive and oay his funeral. She makes the strange decision to put on her dead husband’s trousers and turns up to his place of work and carry on where he left off!

The world around her changes as it does for everyone. However, with the rise of Hitler and Nazi Germany, she/he witnesses and endures harsh changes that at times lead to starvation and, at times, humiliation at work with her dead husbands colleagues.

The plot isn’t always easy to follow and, at times, taking you into different directions without warning. Swinton is an engaging and captivating actor who, despite the chaos of the play, the audience knows it is safe hands with her leading us through the storyline.

Man to Man is a play that stays with you after the curtain has come down as you consider what you have just watched and attempt to put the story together like an unmade puzzle working out where the different size pieces fit together, although I am not sure if they all do.

Set designer Bunny Christie use of the bright white set leaves everything exposed and open for scrutiny. The fridge has seen better days highlighting the lack of money, and the other household objects are functional and probably quite dated. However, they just need to be functional and not flashy, especially as they are now only living on their pension.

Her costume throughout the performance is a well-worn pair of red y fronts and a white string vest (my Dad always wore one), so for me, that was a touch of nostalgia in mens fashion. Various other items were temporarily worn depending on the location and role Swinton plays at the time.

Originally written by Manfred Karge and translated by Anthony Vivis. Directed by Stephen Unwin, this current  production has sold out completely, and the only way to get a ticket now is to join the daily returns queue. Please check with the theatre about how this service works.

For more information about Man To Man and future productions at The Royal Court Theatre, please use the link below.

Four Stars.

Photo credit Ruediger Glatz

https://royalcourttheatre.com/events/man-to-man/

Running from Fri 9th – Sat 24th October 2026.