A rapid revival for a show is a measure of its success but, in a repertory theatre, can also mask corporate failure: an attempt to stabilise box office and critical perception.

Small Island
Olivier, National Theatre, London

A rapid revival for a show is a measure of its success but, in a repertory theatre, can also mask corporate failure: an attempt to stabilise box office and critical perception.

So while it’s a pleasure to see a restaging of the National Theatre’s adaptation of Andrea Levy’s novel Small Island so soon after its 2019 premiere, there’s a clear sense that Rufus Norris, director of this play and artistic director of the National, wants to remind us (and new NT patron the Duchess of Cornwall) what he and the building are about after the catastrophe of last year’s Manor (the worst-reviewed play at the National for 40 years) and the Covid-affected cancellation of Norris’ big 2021 Christmas musical Hex.

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