Stephen Mangan stars in ‘The Truth’ at London’s Apollo Theatre
Stephen Mangan is headlining a revival of Florian Zeller’s comedy-drama The Truth at the Apollo Theatre in London. The production explores themes of adultery and deception, presenting Mangan in a lead role that marks a significant shift in his career, reports BritPanorama.
Mangan portrays Michel, who becomes entangled in a furtive affair with Alice (Sarah Hadland), the wife of his best friend Paul (Ardal O’Hanlon). The 90-minute play, directed by Lindsay Posner, gradually unveils layers of deceit among the characters, complicating the narrative as the action unfolds. Mangan’s performance is particularly noteworthy, as he is the only actor present on stage throughout the show, effectively conveying Michel’s self-absorption and inner turmoil.
Although the production has faced critiques for some uneven pacing, Mangan’s talent shines through, especially in a memorable scene where he impersonates Alice’s elderly aunt during a phone call, showcasing his comedic versatility. His character’s futile justifications for his own actions contrast sharply with the duplicity he encounters from others, creating a dynamic tension central to the narrative.
Mangan’s prominence in the industry has been solidified over the past 25 years, originally gaining recognition as Adrian Mole in the BBC’s The Cappuccino Years and later as the charismatic Guy Secretan in Green Wing. His recent work in the BBC’s acclaimed family drama The Split further attests to his range, earning him a Tony Award nomination for his performance in The Norman Conquests.
His former co-star Nicola Walker praised Mangan, remarking, “Every actor who has ever had the good fortune to stand on a stage or in front of a camera with Stephen knows how unique he is. He can flip a moment from comedy to tragedy in a heartbeat.”
As Mangan continues to expand his horizons with projects such as Portrait Artist of the Year on Sky Arts and a series of children’s books with his sister Anita, his ability to engage audiences remains unwavering. The Truth is at the Apollo Theatre, London until 12 September.
