Patriots (play)
2022 play by Peter Morgan
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Patriots is a dramatic stage play by British playwright Peter Morgan. The play explores the rise and fall of Boris Berezovsky, a powerful Russian oligarch who was instrumental in shaping post-Soviet Russia. Set during the 1990s and early 2000s, the play follows Berezovsky’s meteoric rise from mathematician to billionaire media mogul and kingmaker, as he helps Vladimir Putin ascend to power—only to later become his enemy.
| Patriots | |
|---|---|
West End Poster | |
| Original language | English |
| Written by | Peter Morgan |
| Genre | Drama |
| Premiere | |
| Date | 12 July 2022 |
| Place | Almeida Theatre, London |
| Directed by | Rupert Goold |
As Berezovsky's influence wanes and Putin consolidates control, the play explores themes of loyalty, ambition, betrayal, and the cost of political power. Morgan’s sharp dialogue and historical insight provide a chilling portrait of modern Russian politics and the moral compromises behind empire-building.
Productions
Off-West End (2022)
Patriots had its world premiere at the Almeida Theatre in London on 12 July 2022, following previews from 2 July. It played a limited run to 20 August.[1] The cast featured Tom Hollander, Will Keen, Yolanda Kettle, Luke Thallon, Matt Concannon, Stephen Fewell, Ronald Guttman, Aoife Hinds, Sean Kingsley, Paul Kynman, Jessica Temple and Jamael Westman.[2]
West End (2023)
In August 2022, it was announced that the Almeida production would transfer to the Noël Coward Theatre in the West End. The show began previews on 26 May 2023 with an official opening on 6 June 2023. The show played a 12-week limited engagement, concluding on 19 August 2023.[3]
Broadway (2024)
In January 2024, it was announced that the show will transfer Broadway for a 12-week limited engagement. Will Keen and Luke Thallon reprised their performances as Vladimir Putin and Roman Abramovich respectively, with Michael Stuhlbarg joining the cast as Boris Berezovsky. The show began previews on April 1, 2024 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre and officially opened on April 22 .[4] Sonia Friedman is the producer.[5] Full casting was announced on 27 February 2024. The Broadway production is directed by Rupert Goold.[6]
Cast and characters
| Character | Off-West End[2] | West End[7] | Broadway[8] |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
| Boris Berezovsky | Tom Hollander | Michael Stuhlbarg | |
| Vladimir Putin | Will Keen | ||
| Roman Abramovich | Luke Thallon | ||
| Assistant/Daniel Kahneman/Captain | Matt Concannon | Nick Rehberger | |
| Professor Perelman | Ronald Guttman | ||
| Voloshin/Nurse | Sean Kingsley | Peter Bradbury | |
| Korzhakov/Yeltsin/FSB Boss | Paul Kynman | ||
| Anna Berezovsky/Newscaster/Secretary | Jessica Temple | Rosie Benton | |
| Alexander Litvinenko | Jamael Westman | Josef Davies | Alex Hurt |
| Teacher/Newscaster | Stephen Fewell | Howard Cossington | Jeff Biehl |
| Marina Litvinenko | Yolanda Kettle | Stefanie Martini | Stella Baker |
| Nina Berezovsky | Camila Canó-Flavia | ||
| Tatiana | Aoife Hinds | Evelyn Miller | |
| Katya | Marianna Gailus | ||
Awards
Original London production
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laurence Olivier Awards | Best New Play | Nominated | [9] | ||
| Best Actor | Tom Hollander | Nominated | |||
| Best Actor in a Supporting Role | Will Keen | Won | |||
Broadway production
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | Tony Award | Best Actor in a Play | Michael Stuhlbarg | Nominated | [10] |
| Drama League Awards | Outstanding Production of a Play | Nominated | [11] | ||
| Distinguished Performance | Michael Stuhlbarg | Nominated | |||
| Outstanding Direction of a Play | Rupert Goold | Nominated | |||
| Outer Critics Circle Award | Outstanding New Broadway Play | Peter Morgan | Nominated | [12] | |
| Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Play | Michael Stuhlbarg | Nominated | |||
| Outstanding Projection Design | Ash J. Woodward | Nominated | |||
| Theatre World Award | Will Keen | Won | [13] | ||