Theatre
Let The Right One In: cult classic to stage hit
Stage adaptations of psychological thrillers seems to be all the rage at the moment – last year the Matt Smith lead American Psycho was a hit at the Almeida and Michael Douglas’ 80s classic Fatal Attraction has just opened at the Haymarket.
Whereas these adaptations are of films most people would be familiar with, there’s one new show that probably won’t be on the radar of your typical theatre goer – Let The Right One In.
Let the Right One In started life in 2004 as a Swedish vampire novel by John Ajvide Lindqvist. Within four years the book was adapted to the silver screen by Swedish director Tomas Alfredson, and just two years later an American-English version was released under the name Let Me In. Alfredson’s original screenplay has been heralded by critics and fans alike, with the film going on to win a multitude of awards both in Sweden and internationally.
It’s a tense story about loneliness and love, which is based around the complicated relationship between two teenagers, Oskar and Eli. Oskar is young boy bullied at school, who longs for friendship, and when the troubled Eli moves next door their relationship begins to blossom.
However their neighbourhood is beset by a series of brutal killings and when Eli’s dark secret is revealed their relationship is pushed to its limits.
For its stage adaptation, the action has been transposed from the dark Gothenburg suburbs to the eerie woods of Scotland, and it’s no less chilling.
Aside from the excellent cast, the production’s innovative use of lighting and music brings the Scandinavian noir of Alfredson’s screen version to life. To add to the immersive experience, award-winning designer Christine Jones has created a stunning cyclorama for the production.
Developed by director John Tiffany, the production marks the National Theatre of Scotland’s West End debut, and follows the show’s success at the Royal Court Theatre. It’s set to run throughout spring at the Apollo, and although it might not be as gruesome as the film version, it still packs a punch and at times will have you squirming in your seat.
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Let The Right One In is showing at the Apollo Theatre and tickets are available here.
