‘Patriots’

1991. The Fall of the Soviet Union.
With the dawning of a new Russia, there are winners and losers, and today’s patriot can fast become tomorrow’s traitor.

As a new generation of oligarchs fights to seize control, this play follows billionaire businessman Boris Berezovsky from the president’s inner circle to public enemy number one.

Winner of the 2023 Critics’ Circle Award for Best New Play and the 2023 Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actor for Will Keen as Vladimir Putin (who was an uncanny likeness, scary really.

A new play from internationally award-winning writer Peter Morgan (Netflix’s The Crown, Frost/Nixon), starring Tom Hollander as Bevesovsky. I didn’t know much about the role of the oligarchs in the rise of Putin, but I can see why Will Keen owns the award – he was very good.

I did have a good view, even though I booked at the last minute.