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Don't mention the nose!

  • Writer: Heidi Barber.
    Heidi Barber.
  • Oct 8
  • 2 min read
Cyrano de Bergerac (Adrian Lester) and Roxane ( Susannah Fielding). Photo by Marc Brenner.
Cyrano de Bergerac (Adrian Lester) and Roxane ( Susannah Fielding). Photo by Marc Brenner.

Cyrano de Bergerac, by Edmond Rostand, in a new version by Simon Evans and Debris Stevenson at the RSC Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, until 15 November 2025. Directed by Simon Evans.

Review by Heidi Barber.

  

Although this play written by Edmond Rostand is over a hundred years old, the key elements of the story remain as relevant today as they have ever been. If anything, the main theme of the play resonates even more deeply in today’s society which focuses so much on the physical appearance of people.

 

Cyrano de Bergerac, played by Olivier award-winning actor, Adrian Lester, is a soldier; a fiercely funny and intensely romantic man with one very large problem: his nose. Unfortunately for him, this ungainly facial feature prevents him from securing the love of his life Roxane (Susannah Fielding).

Susannah Fielding (Roxane) and Levi Brown (Christian). Photo by Marc Brenner.
Susannah Fielding (Roxane) and Levi Brown (Christian). Photo by Marc Brenner.

 

Sadly Roxane, his childhood friend only has eyes for the handsome new recruit in Cyrano’s division. Meanwhile despite his good looks, Christian (Levi Brown) lacks the eloquence so sought after by Roxane.

 

In a nod to his heritage, Levi chose to play Christian with a Black Country accent which at times, adds to the comedic elements of the play.

 

Thankfully for this handsome, tongue-tied young suitor, Cyrano steps in to provide the poetry that Christian is so dismally lacking.

Cyrano and company. Photo by Marc Brenner.
Cyrano and company. Photo by Marc Brenner.

 

Even though Roxanne and Christian are eventually united, their romance is short lived as the soldier’s division is sent off to fight on the front line.

 

Adrian Lester is outstanding as the lovelorn main character in his RSC debut, with a mesmerising performance throughout and particularly in the heartbreaking final scene.

 

With a strong supporting cast, including Cyrano’s very own travelling band of musicians, this performance is both captivating and heartwarming. Full of emotion and humour, it will leave you with a warm inner glow.


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