sports
February 2, 2026
American Psycho review
Almeida theatre, LondonIn a bloody, brilliant, full circle Rupert Goold bows out as artistic director of the Almeida with a timely revival of the musical he first staged here in 2013
TL;DR
- The musical adaptation of "American Psycho" revisits the hedonistic world of 1980s Wall Street.
- The production, Rupert Goold's swan song as artistic director, balances satire with effective, albeit less maximalist, horror.
- Arty Froushan stars as Patrick Bateman, showcasing a gradual descent into lunacy, while Anastasia Martin adds depth as his PA.
- Duncan Sheik's score and Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa's book are highlighted for their sharp execution and commentary on 1980s culture.
- The production incorporates 1980s music and features a dynamic set design by Es Devlin and lighting by Jon Clark.
- Themes of toxic masculinity, Trumpian capitalism, and the parallels between bankers and psychopaths resonate with contemporary issues.
- The unreliable narration of the book is translated into a clear metaphor for Bateman as an abstraction of darkness within everyone.
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