Kursk

Synopsis

A glimpse into an imagined world of submarine warfare. inspired by the tragic Russian submarine disaster of 2000. Explores the unique experience of submariners deep below the arctic seas - alone, highly trained, under orders ­ with Armageddon at their fingertips.

Our Review:

Michael Coveney - 1 April 2010

Kursk (a recent Whatsonstage.com Award nominee) has rightfully returned to the Young Vic, submerging us once again below the Arctic for 90 minutes of chilling, hauntingly 'immersive' theatre.

The Sound & Fury production is revived in London as part of a national tour (credit to the production team for transporting such an intricate set), transforming the Maria studio into a British submarine, scattering its audience around the action.

It takes a while to build up steam, and at times can feel a bit like a special exhibition at the Imperial War Museum. But Bryony Lavery's detailed and often humorous script ensures there's a strong narrative arc underlying the portrayal of daily life aboard a sub, and the action soon becomes compelling.

As the Commander (Laurence Mitchell) steers his men on an observation mission of the huge, nuclear weapon-laden Kursk during August 2000, we witness the mood shift sharpl...

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Latest User Review

Glen - 17 April 2010:

Hsve just returned from the depths of the Maria studio and was blown away by this production. I chose to descend onto the lower level and agree with Michael's review of the 2009 staging that it's not really a mobile promenade. I found a good central perch and didnt move more than 6 inches. With moments of silence large numbers walking round would possibly distract but the intemacy of being (very) close to the action works. The pitch black soundscape is spine chilling. A thoroughly wonderful production...

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