Oedipus

by Robert Icke

'Time turns, sets a backward course, starts for the start with the fragile moments drop unravelling, reversing, unwound, back to the beginning.'
Election night. The polls predict a landslide victory. Everything is about to change.
Award-winning writer and director Robert Icke transforms Sophocles' epic tragedy into an essential and explosive political thriller.
First performed in Dutch in 2018 at Internationaal Theater Amsterdam and the Edinburgh International Festival, this arresting version of Oedipus received its English-language premiere at Wyndham's Theatre in London's West End in 2024, produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, and starring Mark Strong and Lesley Manville.
'Robert Icke is the great hope of British theatre' Time Out

Genres: Plays, Classics

109 pages, Paperback

Published September 16, 2025

Reviews

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just saw Icke’s Oedipus on Broadway and Broadway wanted to read it immediately. While it’s an amazing thing to witness live, thanks to dazzling performances by Mark Strong & Leslie Manville, it’s an equally scintillating read that masterfully brings a 2,500 year old play into our current historical moment.
Wondrous & intense.

[Emma Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

doesn’t shine in the text in quite the same way his Oresteia does, but is electric onstage so what do I know

[Matteo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A genius modern adaptation of Sophocles’ classic tragedy. Icke masterfully builds drama and tension with the climax of the play being thrilling with its breakneck pace. The questions around the dangerous nature of the pursuit of knowledge is what make this play timeless. My only criticism is the final scene which I feel detracts from the tragedy and tension of what immediately precedes it. I’m forever grateful that I was able to see the west end run of this.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oof! Oedipus is always a heavy piece to read (and see), but Icke's new take on it hits a little too close to our current political and social climate. This new interpretation is absolutely stellar!

[mia ❤️‍🔥 · Rating 5 out of 5]

i saw this last night in london immediately bought the script at the theatre and read it on the train home today. perfect adaptation no notes <3

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning adaptation. Excited to see this live next month!

[Sina Develioglu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very very good. I saw Player kings by Robert Icke, will definitely read his other adaptations.

[keeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

fucking brilliant

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

11.1.25 Studio 54

[Bobby Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely good modern retelling of this tragedy.

[PastelKos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Νιώθω λες και σκοτώσαν την Νταιζούλα μου μπροστά μου

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dread is palpable. I'd love to see this performed.

[Mac Robb · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐️

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intense, electrifying portrait of a man! While some of the language could be cleaner, the text is extraordinary!