Based on the international bestseller by Dan Brown The Da Vinci Code is now a stage thriller touring the country, and I was lucky enough to catch it whilst it was in Brighton.
If you haven’t seen the hit blockbuster movie starring Tom Hanks, the basis of the story is that the curator of the Louvre in Paris is murdered and cryptic clues in some of Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous paintings lead to the discovery of a religious mystery. Symbologist Robert Langdon (Nigel Harman) and cryptologist Sophie Neveu (Hannah Rose Caton) join forces in solving the riddles.
I was sceptical as to how they were going to portray The Da Vinci Code on stage, however the use of video, graphics, images and symbols really immerses you into the story. Staging is very minimal but the way in which the set is used is really effective, also the music used really adds to the tension and anticipation of the story and somehow brings it all together between scenes.
When it comes to watching a film like The Da Vinci Code, I find that I really need to concentrate, and sometimes need to rewind and re watch parts to ensure I understand them, but with a show you obviously can’t do this, and with the fast pace of the show sometimes I found myself getting a little lost and wishing I could rewind the show so you really do need to concentrate, or maybe watch the film before the show so it’s fresh in your mind.
This is the second time I have seen Nigel Harman on stage, back in 2019 I saw him in Glengarry Glen Ross (which I didn’t particularly enjoy) but I thought he played the role of Robert Langdon very well, and thought it was the perfect role for him. Hannah Rose Caton plays the role of Sophie Neveu and it’s hard to believe this was her UK theatrical debut as she was excellent. Was nice to see Danny John-Jules in something serious, as usually his forte is comedy, but for me Joshua Lacey who plays Silas stole the show! As did Paul Bettany in the 2006 movie, that role is very dark and disturbing which I felt.
I enjoyed the show, but as I said it does take some concentration so don’t arrive tired or distracted, as to really enjoy the show you need to immerse yourself into the world of The Da Vinci Code.
The Da Vinci Code is at the Theatre Royal Brighton until Saturday 19th March 2022. Click HERE to book tickets!