The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui: Barthold BrechtRSC, The Swan, Stratford Upon Avon, Runs: 2hrs & 35mins, one interval | until 30 May 2026 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review by Roderick Dungate, AD Performance

Photo credit: Marc Brenner

The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui: Barthold Brecht

RSC, The Swan, Stratford Upon Avon

Runs: 2hrs & 35mins, one interval | until 30 May 2026

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review by Roderick Dungate, AD Performance Friday 08 May 2026

“Bold and surprising; not what we expect.”

It is surprising how pertinent Brecht’s play about the rise of a Chicago Gangster, which parallels Hiter’s rise to power can be today. We have no weapon toting gangsters; we have no executions of political rivals (in the UK at least). What we do have is populism; the process of persuading others you are right and avoiding scrutiny of policies or strategies. As Ui, the eponymous gangster, says early in the play: I have faith that I will be victorious. We may look around Europe today and see such leaders; if that particular cap fits, then we should make sure we see them wearing it and, as the play urges, resist them.

The play is complex but requires ensemble playing. Yet Arturo is seen as a star role. Mark Gatiss balances these potentially opposed requirements with great skill. He demonstrates Ui’s growth from a rather sleazy small-town crook to powerful dictator with clarity. In addition, his acting choices are often bold and surprising; not what we expect. But these are what makes the character whole and dangerously unpredictable.

The chilling scene in which Ui takes performance lessons from an old-style actor is a gem. Christopher Godwin as the old actor absolutely goes for it with welcome comedic effect; the chill coming from Ui’s transformation from US Hood to goose-stepping, arms folding, public speaker.

One of the most memorable moments in this production is the scene between Ui and widow of his murdered rival, Betty Dullfeet. Both Gatiss and Janie Dee play the scene with consummate skill; they both draw in and echo the Richard III scene perfectly.

Sean Linnen directs with confidence and understanding of how Brecht works most effectively and theatrically. The clear use of ‘titles’ give us the history of Hitler’s rise as well as nodding in the direction of the epic style of drama Brecht developed.

Brecht’s chilling epilogue reminds us that, while Ui/Hitler may have been defeated, we need to be on guard against his like.

Cast

Butcher/Dullfeet/Prosecution – Joe Alessi

Ensemble/Swing – Valerie Antwi

Betty Dullfeet/Bowl/O’Casey/Defence – Janie Dee

Arturo Ui – Mark Gatiss

Dogsborough/The Actor/Priest – Christopher Godwin

Ensemble/Swing – Mark Hammersley

Flake/Dockdaisy – Rebekah Hinds

Jimmy Greenwool/Mulberry/The Judge – Cameron Johnson

Roma – Kadiff Kirwan

Ensemble – Samuel Nunes de Souza

Givola – LJ Parkinson

Dogsborough’s Son/Fish/Inna – Mahesh Parmar

The Barker/Giri – Mawaan Rizwan

Sheet/Hook – Santino Smith

Clark/Ragg/The Woman – Amanda Wilkin

Creatives

Translator – Stephen Sharkey

Director – Sean Linnen

Set & costume – Georgia Lowe

Lighting – Robbie Butler

Music – Placebo

Sound – Johnny Edwards

Audio Describers – Emily Magdij/Julie Grundy