Slaughterhouse-Five - Southwark Playhouse Borough

Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five finds itself on stage, boldly adapted by Eric Simonson. The novel, published in 1969, remains one of the great anti-war works of the twentieth century, blending autobiography, science fiction and dark comedy into something wholly its own. It follows Billy Pilgrim, a World War Two veteran who becomes unstuck in time and ends up captured by aliens from a planet called Tralfamadore. The narrative is deliberately non-linear; it is altogether unclear where the story begins and ends, and each scene transports us to a different moment in Billy's life in no particular or logical order.

The production is performed by a cast of four, three of whom take on multiple roles throughout the show. Keeping track of the shifting identities is no small feat for the audience, though the cast's narration goes some way toward grounding us in the plot.

Photography: Henry Hu

The standout element of the production must be attributed to the video design by Douglas Baker. Stunning backdrops are accompanied by a timepiece that tells us exactly where and when each scene is set, a device that proves invaluable given the story's constant leaping through time. Later in the production, animated characters join the ensemble on screen, expanding the world of the play without expanding the cast. It is inventive work that gives this challenging show a genuinely original edge.

Personally, this production did not quite win me over. The surreal elements, while faithful to Vonnegut's vision, felt alienating rather than absorbing. At 95 minutes with no interval, the relentless jumps through time also began to wear on the pacing, making what is already a demanding story feel somewhat exhausting by the final scenes. That said, I can see the appeal, and Baker's video design alone is reason enough to take notice. Those with a taste for the experimental and the unconventional may well find this adaptation deeply rewarding.

Overall Score: 65% - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4*)

(AD | Ticket gifted in exchange for an honest review)

Show Information

Venue: Southwark Playhouse Borough - Little, London

Playing until: 4th July 2026

Run Time: 1h35 - with no interval

Tickets are available for purchase at this link.