Archduke - Royal Court Theatre

We are all familiar with World War One to some extent, having learned about it in school from a young age. Many people recognize that the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand was the key event that sparked the Great War. However, what many of us are not aware of is how Gavrilo Princip became one of history's most infamous murderers. Rajiv Joseph's 2017 play narrates the tale of how a group of young revolutionaries got involved in the plot to kill the Archduke.

The show opens with two working class men walking into a tunnel, both looking for "a man." As neither of them sees this person arrive, they begin to talk and realise they were sent by a doctor who told them they each had only a short time to live. Both men are quite clumsy, and at first it is difficult to imagine how this might lead to the extraordinary event that is the assassination. But things change when the men introduce themselves and you hear the name "Gavrilo Princip." At that moment, I was hooked.

Photography: Helen Murray

What follows is a journey to meet "the man", who instils in them a deadly sense of patriotism towards the Serbs. The writing is surprisingly funny and, at times, so delightfully juvenile that it will appeal equally to younger teenagers and adults alike.

The set design by Es Devlin is magnificent. Much of it is set in a tunnel, with a spherical frame of metal enveloping the stage and an incredible perceived depth as the tunnel curves into the wings. It is brilliant. There is more to see, but I can't give away all of the secrets now, can I?

The casting is another great accomplishment, and frankly unsurprising for the Royal Court, which maintains some of the highest standards in the industry. The writing allows the audience to grow attached to the characters despite knowing that they are about to trigger one of the world's worst catastrophes. The performances draw us in and we feel the urgency of their actions as well as their desperation to find purpose before meeting their maker.

Photography: Helen Murray

At the performance I attended, I happened to be seated next to a fellow reviewer who was also a history professor. Not only did he seem thoroughly enthralled, but we agreed afterwards that we both felt we had learned something from the piece.

I left the theatre with the peculiar feeling of having witnessed something both intimate and vast. A five-strong cast that somehow contains the weight of a world war within it, and does so with humour, heart and no small amount of theatrical ingenuity. That it makes you care so deeply about people you know are walking towards catastrophe is a testament to the writing and the performances in equal measure. The Royal Court has, once again, reminded us why it remains one of the most vital stages in the country. If you have the chance to go and see it, seize that chance.

Production Value: 85%

Value For Money: 90%

Personal Enjoyment: 95%

Overall Score: 90% - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5*)

(AD | gifted in exchange for an honest review)

Show Information

Venue: Royal Court Theatre, London

Playing Until: 25th July 2026

Run Time: Approximately 2h - with an interval of 20 minutes

Tickets (selling fast) can be purchased from this link.