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Rupert Goold’s American Psycho Revival Opens at the Almeida to Strong Reviews

The production’s glossy design and synth score draw praise, with its critique of 1980s excess gaining fresh relevance.

Overview

  • Arty Froushan leads as Patrick Bateman in this remount, taking over a role previously played at the Almeida by Matt Smith.
  • Critics single out Es Devlin’s cool, minimalist set, Jon Clark’s lighting, Lynne Page’s choreography, and Duncan Sheik’s electro-pop score.
  • Reviewers note the staging leans into the 2000 film’s iconic moments and 1980s visual language to shape its tone.
  • The show foregrounds consumer culture and toxic masculinity, with pointed references to Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein.
  • While the consensus is positive, some argue the satire softens at times, as Goold readies his move to lead the Old Vic.