“The Lehman Brothers resonate powerfully in the National Theatre’s production of The Lehman Trilogy, currently showing at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in London’s West End. This compelling play, adapted from Italian novelist Stefano Massini’s work by the talented Ben Power, explores the rise and fall of the Lehman brothers across three captivating acts, tracing their journey from humble beginnings in 1844 to the financial crisis of 2008.

Directed by Sam Mendes, the production immerses the audience in the intricate story of three brothers and the empire they built, underscoring the legacy they left behind. The dialogue-heavy script keeps viewers engaged, weaving together personal and financial narratives.

The trio of performers— John Heffernan (Henry Lehman), Aaron Krohn (Mayer Lehman), and Howard W. Overshown (Emanuel Lehman)—delivers knockout performances. Each actor excels in storytelling, shifting effortlessly from poignant narration to high-stakes dialogue. They also bring humour to the stage, with Krohn’s memorable “potato” moments standing out as a highlight.

Set designer Es Devlin creates an exquisite backdrop that enhances the narrative. The use of a revolving set, featuring a simple office layout with a boardroom and cubicles, effectively transports the audience through different eras and locations in the brothers’ lives. The clear panelling not only reflects the unfolding story but also symbolises the transparency of their journey.

The theme of three runs deeply throughout the production—three brothers, three generations, all portrayed by three actors. However, one wonders if the three acts were truly necessary. While much of the dialogue propels the story forward, some sections feel repetitive, contributing to the lengthy runtime of 3 hours and 20 minutes (including two 15-minute intervals).

Visually, the staging is stunning, particularly the large curved projection that often sets the scene. However, there are moments when it distracts rather than enhances the storytelling. A notable example occurs during the chaotic scene in Act 3, where Bobbie Lehman dies in 1969. The loud music and repetitive dialogue, combined with dizzying graphics, left me feeling disoriented.

Despite these critiques, The Lehman Trilogy is a remarkable production—an acting masterclass with sensational storytelling rooted in history. It offers valuable insights into the Lehman legacy and is undoubtedly worth a watch.”