Betrayal

Betrayal is widely regarded as one of Harold Pinter’s finest dramatic plays. The intense exploration of veiled emotions, limited dialogue, and a strong emphasis on realism characterizes the play. It was first produced by the British National Theatre in 1978 and went on to become one of Pinter’s most successful stage productions. It was revived several times over the decades in various countries across the globe. The 2019 revival of this classic features some of the biggest stars in film and television today including Tom Hiddleston (Loki in Avengers) and Charlie Cox (Matt Murdoch in Marvel’s Daredevil). They will be accompanied by Screen Nation Award-winning actress Zawe Ashton, who is well-known for her roles in Channel 4’s Not Safe for Work and Fresh Meat. The cast will be headed by Jamie Lloyd, a veteran director who is best known for his 6-month-long season of only Harold Pinter one-act and short plays in 2018. His repertoire encompasses a wide array of genres ranging from classical theatre to modern musicals.

The Story

The story is told backwards, from 1977 to 1968, with the setting shifting between London and Venice. Emma and Robert have been married for a while, and so have Jerry (Robert’s close accomplice) and Judith. Unbeknownst to Robert, Emma and Jerry have been carrying on a secret affair for five years, thus betraying both Judith and Robert. On a whim, Emma decides to tell her husband about her infidelity without letting Jerry know first. The lives of the two couples are riddled with lies, deceit, and hidden desires. Harold Pinter’s magnum opus takes its audiences into the chasms of betrayal.

Good For

Fans of Tom Hiddleston | Harold Pinter Buffs | Lovers of Romantic Tragedies

Critic Reviews

“A love triangle twists and turns inside out in director Jamie Lloyd’s revelatory Pinter revival, starring Tom Hiddleston.”

• Variety

“Hiddleston is superb in this haunting drama of deception.”

• The Guardian