Movies

PATRICK MARMION reviews Inter Alia at the Lyttelton, National Theatre, London: All rise for Rosamund: Pike’s a force of nature in electrifying sequel to hit courtroom drama

BBG News

Inter Alia, 

Lyttelton, National Theatre, London

Could we say instead: Is it a coincidence or extraordinary skill that Rosamund Pike once again delivered an outstanding performance on Wednesday night, this time as a High Court judge in Suzie Miller’s new play at the National Theatre? Notably, Miller is the writer behind Prima Facie, another successful legal play where Jodie Comer excelled in 2022.

Interestingly, just as Prima Facie showcases the character Comer, a successful barrister who defends rape suspects, Inter Alia focuses on the character Pike, a High Court judge who presides over and sentences the same individuals.

Both plays have Latin titles and run for 100 minutes without an interval.

In both productions, Justin Martin serves as director, while Miriam Buether handles the design aspects. Interestingly, these works flip the roles of their leading ladies to craft complex moral quandaries that prove to be quite harrowing.

The difference is that, unlike Prima Facie, Inter Alia isn’t entirely a monologue.

Initially, we meet Judge Pike displaying a shrewd, delicate approach, subtly infusing a traditionally tough occupation with her ‘interpersonal finesse’.

Later on, we find her at home multitasking as an exceptional super-mom: preparing vegetables for pickling, organizing laundry, and ironing clothes – all before resuming her duties at court and returning to the world of the ‘manosphere’.

Jessica from Pike is as dynamic as a storm, often found at karaoke evenings with her lawyer friends. However, beneath this vibrant exterior lies the inner turmoil of a concerned middle-class mom, constantly grappling with feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy.

Though her loving spouse Michael (played by Jamie Glover) exhibits a tender and daring romantic side, it’s their son Harry (portrayed by Jasper Talbot) who holds a divine place in her adoration.

Due to Harry, her once flawless life unravels, even with diligent parenting efforts such as cautioning him on social media and online adult content.

The story recalls the popular Netflix series “Adolescence,” which gives a hint about the troubles facing Jessica’s aspirations. The predictable nature of the plot’s downfall only intensifies the foreboding atmosphere in Martin’s chaotic direction.

What bothered me most was the assumption in the play that our appreciation is centered on Jessica’s middle-class ideals and her approach to parenting.

Even so, Inter Alia – whose title means ‘among other things’ – plays out like a Greek tragedy.

In this portrayal, both males are simplified into harmless stereotypes. Michael appears as a generally kind but somewhat shortcut-taking spouse. Meanwhile, Harry emerges as a well-meaning yet eager-to-please offspring.

However, Pike… she stands solo, juggling tasks between her kitchen and courtroom, treading the mental high wire while guiding us through her complete downfall from all angles.

Growing more and more difficult to observe, similar to a situation that will undoubtedly stimulate ongoing discussions among opinionated individuals for hours on end.

Read More

2025-07-24 00:51

Previous post Is This Stablecoin Law the Best Thing Since Sliced Bread? You Bet It Is! 🥖💰
Next post Japanese rock band, Flow, announce 2025 Naruto world tour