Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Bertie Carvel and Jonny Lee Miller are sensational in James Graham’s flashy INK

• By drediman
• April 25, 2019
• No Comments

Jonny Lee Miller and Bertie Carvel in James Graham’s “Ink” at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club. Photo by Joan Marcus.

Last night, James Graham’s Ink opened on Broadway at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre via Manhattan Theatre Club. Set in London in 1969, Ink tells the story of how young Rupert Murdoch and a scrappy band of journalists – led by tireless editor-in-chief Larry Lamb – climbed the heights of the British press by transforming The Sun into a populist sensation and the country’s top newspaper, changing the very nature of journalism in the process. First seen at London’s Almeida Theatre (where it was a hit), the production has now found its way to New York, sneaking in at the tail end of the Broadway season.

Although technically a play, Ink is told mostly in the milieu of a vaudevillian pageant. Indeed, Mr. Graham’s play is told with a flashy vigor – particularly the work’s thrilling first act – that’s usually reserved for musicals. Mr. Graham has made a name for himself for turning various institutions inside out (the British Parliamentary system in This House, personal information vis-à-vis large corporation in Privacy) and exposing their guts. Ink casts the same critical eye on press and journalism, although I wish there was a tad more dramatic substance and relatable human stakes on the line behind all the bells and whistles.

But true to its word, Ink makes for a mighty good story, which director Rupert Goold takes to heart. Mr. Goold’s production – the same one seen at the Almeida, where he is the artistic director – has been staged with an eye for muscular storytelling spectacle, which is exactly right for the piece. The production stars Bertie Carvel (so different in Matilda!) and Jonny Lee Miller, who are both are in sensationally good form here. In the marquee role of Rupert Murdoch, Mr. Carvel brilliantly embodies suavely calculated ruthlessness. Apart from Mr. Carvel, the New York cast of Ink is largely new (and American). This includes Mr. Miller (who is British) as Larry Lamb, Murdoch’s hardworking partner-in-crime at The Sun. Mr. Miller is giving a truly excellent performance that’s at once brash and thoughtful. Although Mr. Carvel seduces as Murdoch, it’s Mr. Miller’s performance that both drives and grounds Ink.

RECOMMENDED

INK
Broadway, Play
Manhattan Theatre Club at Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
2 hours, 45 minutes (with one intermission)
Through June 23