A riveting revival that proves Mamet's masterpiece loses none of its bite when delivered by an exceptional female cast
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What's it about?
David Mamet's Pulitzer Prize-winning Glengarry Glen Ross follows a group of desperate real estate salespeople fighting to secure lucrative leads and avoid being pushed out of the business. Set over two days in a cut-throat Chicago sales office, the play exposes the toxic pursuit of success as colleagues manipulate, deceive and betray one another in the race to stay on top.
As part of The Old Vic's ambitious in-the-round season, this production retains the original male characters while casting an all-female company, creating a fascinating new perspective on one of modern theatre's most celebrated dramas.
What we loved best
This is a riveting, enthralling and captivating revival from start to finish. Mamet's razor-sharp dialogue remains as exhilarating as ever, and the all-female cast bring fresh energy and nuance to every exchange without ever feeling like a gimmick. In fact, hearing these famously aggressive, competitive and often misogynistic male characters voiced by women frequently makes the text feel even more powerful, exposing new layers within Mamet's writing.
The ensemble work is exceptional throughout. Every performer fully commits to the relentless pace and rhythm of the script, creating an atmosphere of constant tension and unpredictability. The result is a production that remains completely engaging across its runtime, drawing the audience into every negotiation, confrontation and betrayal.
The standout performance comes from Rosa Salazar, who is simply sensational. Dry, effortlessly funny and bursting with energy, she commands attention. Salazar finds humour in unexpected places while never undermining the character's desperation, delivering a performance that is both hilarious and deeply compelling.
The production also makes excellent use of The Old Vic's in-the-round configuration. You get a fantastic view of the drama playing out wherever you’re sitting. And leaning into the ‘in the round’ staging makes every character interaction seem more confrontational.
Anything we'd change?
No, we loved it !
Who would enjoy it?
Fans of modern classics, razor-sharp dialogue and ensemble acting at the highest level will find much to admire here. Whether you're discovering Glengarry Glen Ross for the first time or returning to a familiar favourite, this revival offers a fresh and compelling perspective on a theatrical masterpiece.
Who Created It
Glengarry Glen Ross was written by David Mamet and premiered in 1983, winning the Pulitzer Prize for Drama the following year. Widely regarded as one of the defining plays of modern American theatre, it remains a masterclass in tension, character and dialogue.
This production is directed by Rob Marber. The creative team includes Rob Howell for set and costume design, Sally Ferguson for lighting, Lily Dyble as associate director.
The Verdict
This outstanding revival demonstrates both the enduring brilliance of Mamet's writing and the transformative possibilities of imaginative casting. Featuring a superb ensemble, inventive staging and a star turn from Rosa Salazar, it's a gripping production that keeps audiences hooked from beginning to end.