American Psycho Musical Revival at Almeida Theatre Proves Bloody Brilliant
Rupert Goold's tenure as artistic director of the Almeida Theatre in Islington has spanned a remarkable period of change, bookended by the same wickedly amoral musical. In 2013, he opened his leadership with the premiere of American Psycho, and now, after six British Prime Ministers and a global pandemic, he completes the circle with a riotous revival of this cult classic.
A Timely Return for Patrick Bateman
The decision to bring Wall Street banker Patrick Bateman back to the London stage in 2026 feels particularly resonant. This totem of consumerist excess has found an unexpected audience among a generation of young men online, who admire his macho posturing and unapologetic misogyny, whether ironically or not. The production sharpens this connection by highlighting Bateman's obsession with a young Donald Trump, the ultimate symbol of 1980s excess, and even includes a mention of "Jeff" Epstein.
Few theatrical experiences match the outrageously fun, nihilistic appeal of this show. Its return confirms that absence has not dulled its cutting edge, offering audiences a thrilling night out that remains as provocative as ever.
New Cast and Cultural Echoes
Matt Smith has passed the baton to relative newcomer Arty Froushan in the lead role. Froushan's more traditional good looks suit a world where everyone dresses identically and identities blur in a haze of cocaine-fuelled confusion. His portrayal incorporates subtle mimicry, even replicating Christian Bale's slightly nasal drawl from Mary Harron's 2000 film adaptation.
Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa's script leans heavily on the movie rather than Bret Easton Ellis's 1991 novel, incorporating iconic scenes that have become cultural touchstones. The business cards sequence, the axe murder set to Hip to Be Square, and Bateman's absurd morning routine now serve as shorthand for toxic masculinity, memes shared countless times online. Watching this production, these story beats resonate on an almost instinctual level, though the deeper cultural analysis can wait for the walk home.
Impeccable Production Values
In the moment, the show delivers a nihilistic thrill, whether Bateman is murdering prostitutes with a nail gun or grappling with existential dread in a New York nightclub. It unfolds as a neon cartoon, a dizzy dreamscape that feels strangely uplifting despite its dark core.
Duncan Sheik's score is immaculate, blending 1980s classics like Everybody Wants To Rule the World, In the Air Tonight, and True Faith with original numbers that echo their tenor. This musical landscape traps the characters in a consumerist hell, like insects preserved in amber.
The choreography is equally impeccable, with standout moments including the cast writhing in day-glo lycra and strutting with shopping bags on their heads during the show-stopping number You Are What You Wear.
A Fitting Curtain Call
As Rupert Goold prepares to take over from Matthew Warchus at the Old Vic, American Psycho serves as a bloody brilliant curtain call for his time at the Almeida. This revival not only celebrates his artistic legacy but also underscores the musical's enduring power to captivate and challenge audiences in equal measure.
