World Premiere Stage Adaptation of Atonement

Chichester Festival Theatre’s new production of Atonement is an ambitious and often visually striking staging of Ian McEwan’s story of truth, betrayal with gripping plot twists.

There is plenty to admire here, especially in the quality of the scenery and sound design, both of which help create an atmospheric sense of time, place and emotional tension. The film projections and recreation of the original book text with Courier-typeface help build atmosphere and move the plot along.

The production looks and sounds rich, and performances from Miriam Petche as Cecilia and Jasper Talbot (pictured below) as Robbie bring real conviction to the central relationship, even when the adaptation itself feels a little uneven.

This adaptation is perhaps easiest to follow if you already know the story from McEwan’s novel or the film version. In the first half, the production can feel a little slow, with plot exposition relying on, at times, rather too much assumed knowledge.

That means some audience members (especially those sitting behind us) may have found the narrative difficult to track, particularly if they are coming to the story fresh.

Even so, there is strong work from the cast: Isabella Dempster gives young Briony a clear sense of intensity and unease, while Jessica Turner, an imposing presence in the second half as the older Briony, brings welcome emotional weight, essential when being the bearer of important plot turns.

Happily, the second half is much stronger: the pace improves, the performances deepen, and the emotional impact lands with more confidence. It is here that the acting feels most compelling and the drama really comes into its own.

For readers of Living with Disability, it is especially worth noting how much care Chichester Festival Theatre puts into access.

The venue offers a range range of facilities including: step-free access, wheelchair spaces, accessible lifts, accessible parking nearby, hearing support systems, captioned, audio-described and BSL-interpreted performances, as well as touch tours, relaxed and dementia-friendly performances, and a companion support service for those who would prefer not to attend alone.

That commitment to inclusion matters, and it helps make a visit feel supported as well as enjoyable. So, while this Atonement might not be the easiest production to navigate dramatically in its opening stretch, it is presented in a theatre that clearly works hard to ensure more people can share in the experience with confidence and comfort.

Atonement runs until June 20 in the Festival Theatre, Chichester. For further information visit https://www.cft.org.uk/

Photo credit: Manuel Harlan