Theatre Review: ‘Life of Pi’ (Wyndham Theatre, London)

‘Life of Pi’ has always been a popular story, written by Yann Martel. It’s been in theatre in London’s Westend and after a light casting alteration, continues to do well and attract audiences.

For those who are unfamiliar with the story, this theatre show will impress you no doubt. However, even for those who know the story very well, this production is quite something to experience. The lead alternate Pi Chirag Benedict Lobo manages to create such a fantastic performance in the lead role that it’s almost difficult to take your eyes off him… if this wasn’t for the way the Wyndham Theatre is placed. With a stage which is curved, allowing for a hugely intimate viewing, the props, the actors and the way the animals are portrayed are awe-worthy.

The theatre is a perfect one for this story, with so many different atmospheres and ambiences created and showing impact throughout the story. Particularly, the way the boat appears and reappears in the story is quite impressive, showing off the theatre’s ability to bring the audiences into the story of ‘Life of Pi.

The performances, surrounding Lobo’s, are terrific and include Davina Moon as Ma, Ameet Chana as Father, Tanvi Virmani as Rani, Saikat Ahamad as Mamaji/Pandit-Ji, Sakuntala Ramanee as Mrs Biology Kumar/Zaida Khan, Kevin Shen as Mr Okamoto, Phyllis Ho as Lulu Chen, Kazeem Tosin Amore as Cook/Voice of Richard Parker, Owain Gwynn, Rebecca Killick and Elan James as puppeteers and understudies Lilian Tsang and Mohit Mathur. Original West End cast members remaining in the show are: Tom Espiner (Father Martin/Commander Grant-Jones) and puppeteers: Daisy Franks, Romina Hytten, Tom Larkin and Tom Stacy.

The best compliments a theatre show can receive is when an audience member is left thinking about it after the show for days after. ‘Life of Pi’ gives this feeling which is not an easy one to achieve. It manages to be effective s a theatre show is such a way that it leaves a real impact on you and almost makes you feel like you want to watch it again.

‘Life of Pi’ received five Olivier Awards in April 2022, including Best New Play, and – in an historic first for the Olivier Awards – the seven performers who played ‘Richard Parker’, the puppet tiger were collectively awarded Best Actor in a Supporting Role. The production also picked up awards for set (Tim Hatley, Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell), and lighting design (Tim Lutkin and Andrzej Goulding).

The production is directed by Max Webster, Set and Costume designer is Tim Hatley, the Puppet and Movement Director is Finn Caldwell, the Puppet Designers are Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell, the Video Designer is Andrzej Goulding, the Lighting Designer is Tim Lutkin, the Sound Designer is Carolyn Downing, the Composer is Andrew T Mackay, Dramaturgy is by Jack Bradley, the Casting Director is Polly Jerrold, the Associate Director is Leigh Toney, the Associate Puppetry and Movement Director is Scarlet Wilderink, the Associate Set Designer is Ross Edwards, the Associate Puppet Designer is Caroline Bowman, the Costume Supervisor is Sabrina Cuniberto and the Props Supervisor is Ryan O’Conner.