Art The Play | Her Majesty’s Theatre | Review | 20-24 May 2026
Art The Play – On at Her Majesty’s Theatre until 24 May 2026 | Review
Review by (Melissa Louey)
Art The Play is a cleverly written and brilliantly witty play, performed superbly by three great Australian actors – Richard Roxburgh, Damien Herriman and Toby Schmitz. Written by Yasmina Reza and translated by Christopher Hampton, Art The Play takes us into the lives of three middle-aged men, examines their enduring (20-year) friendship, and the catalyst that leads them to question it and confront their own flaws.
The catalyst that exposes the unresolved tension among the three characters is a white painting that dermatologist Serge bought at an exorbitant price. Serge is genuinely fond of the painting and views it as a collector’s piece. The painting itself is, essentially, a white canvas with several diagonal lines across it, bought for €160,00 (the play has obvious European links). It is the painting (or lack thereof) and the amount Serge paid that evoke a dramatic emotional response from Mark, who simply can’t grapple with Serge’s “erroneous” decision. Mark’s simple frustration (with a monologue that breaks the fourth wall and draws the audience into the chaos) eventually snowballs into a hilarious but, at times, uncomfortable and toxic interaction among the three.
It is Mark’s overly (and ironic) impassioned response to the painting and desire to drag their mutual friend Ivan into the discourse with Serge that exposes the fragility of a friendship marked by inequality. Each of them has different careers, social status, intelligence, and judgement, but it is Ivan’s innocuous, amicable personality and chaotic life that amplify these differences, and Mark’s response.
Both the audience and the characters are left wondering exactly what has bound these men together for 20 years, and how on earth a simple painting could challenge that bond. We soon discover the painting is not at the heart of the issue – Mark reveals a particularly controlling and, at times, toxic reaction that has bubbled over in response to his own festering hurts and resentment. The dialogue among the three soon deteriorates into a funny, awkward physical “man struggle” between Mark and Serge. This marks a turning point at which decisions must be made about the future of their friendship, and exposes each of their character flaws – each annoying but likeable in their own way, and thankfully forgivable.
Art The Play provides the audience with plenty of questions about how we treat our own friends and where we draw the line between honesty, judgement and unkindness, without it feeling preachy or lecturing.
Despite the play’s obvious tension, it’s incredibly funny, very relatable, and one that keeps the audience on their toes – you’re constantly wondering how far the insults and accusations will go while laughing at how ridiculous (and sometimes sad) the situation is. It’s a bit like watching an elevated version of Seinfeld, at times. It is also delivered brilliantly by the three actors (Richard Roxburgh delivers a particularly exceptional performance) – it’s a privilege to watch such impressive actors on stage.
If you’re after excellent theatre – go see this! Presented by the State Theatre Company South Australia, Art The Play is on until
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For more information and all enquiries please visit the Art The Play website.
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As per all our Play & Go reviews, this is not a sponsored post and our review is done completely independently. All photos are by Play & Go (unless specified).
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