David Suchet excels in Murder in the Cathedral revival

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 13:20 · Archive

David Suchet stars as Archbishop Thomas Becket in a new production of TS Eliot's 1935 verse drama at a London church.

TS Eliot's Murder in the Cathedral, first performed in 1935 at Canterbury Cathedral, tells the story of the killing of Archbishop Thomas Becket by Henry II's knights in 1170 during a dispute over the powers of the church and state. The latest production, at St John the Divine church in London, uses the church setting as an integral part of the staging, with Suchet preaching from the pulpit in gilded vestments.

The production features a Greek-like chorus of Canterbury women, expanded from Eliot's original four to a dozen with community ensemble members. Four actors double as both the tempters who offer Becket varieties of earthly and heavenly riches and the knights who eventually kill him.

The Evening Standard notes that the staging includes a Christmas sermon, a biblical scene of temptation and speeches of self-justification by the four knights. The Guardian reports that the programme includes an essay by former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams on Eliot's examination of whether priests in 1930s England and Germany served or resisted politicians. Both outlets praise Suchet's performance as meticulous and excellent.

How it is being reported

• TS Eliot’s Murder in the Cathedral review – gather in wonder at David Suchet’s excellent archbishopSt John the Divine church, London The poet’s 1935 verse drama has its eccentricities but the meticulous star plays Thomas Becket with a Shakespearean relish A striking example of site-specific theatre, TS Eliot’s Murder in the Cathedral was first performed in 1935 at Canterbury Cathedral. This was the location, in 1170, for its pivotal event: the killing by Henry II’s knights of Archbishop Thomas Becket during a dispute over the powers of church and state. Subsequently, audiences have been more likely to enter a production via a church nave than a theatre aisle. The latest host venue is St…The Guardian · 20 Oct, 12:50
• Murder in the Cathedral: David Suchet is spellbindingThe Poirot star excels in this revival of T.S. Eliot’s drama about Thomas Becket at the Orange Tree theatreEvening Standard · 20 Oct, 09:24

In this story: David Suchet · TS Eliot · Thomas Becket · Henry II · St John the Divine · Orange Tree theatre · Canterbury Cathedral

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