Betrayal is, as the title suggests, a story of deceit, lies, distrust and broken relationships. It centres around the love triangle between Emma (Kristin Scott Thomas) an art gallery owner, Robert (Emma's husband) and Jerry, a literary agent and Robert's best friend. The affair between Emma and Jerry continues for 7 years, and we (the audience) see the trail of destruction, played out backwards from the end of it all. The end of the play, finishing at the beginning, where it all started.
This original story written by Harold Pinter, only involves three main characters (plus an arbitrary waiter) and is famed for the use of the minimal dialogue, veiled emotions and dishonesty which paints a picture of tortured relationships and broken hearts. Betrayal is critically regarded as one of Pinter's most dramatic works - its simplicity, clever dialogue and face-saving dishonesty paint a perfect picture. Often hailed as a modern classic, it is the perfect telling of an otherwise outwardly cliched story. The backwards retelling adds a nice twist to the story, but hardly helps you decipher the characters and their constant lies and deflections.
'I've always rather liked Jerry. To be honest, I've always liked him rather more than I've liked you. Maybe I should have had an affair with him myself.'
Pinter helps the audience realise that the betrayal is not just between the lovers, but also between friends. The consequences of lust and desire are all too clear. It is said that the story for Betrayal is inspired by Pinter's own clandestine, extra-marital seven year affair with a television presenter. His experiences clearly seep through into the characters and add an extra level of believability to the tale.
With BAFTA award-winning actress Kristin Scott Thomas at the helm of this Olivier award-winning play, it's bound to be a winner. Together with Douglas Henshall and Ben Miles, they manage to reinvigorate Pinter's original play as it was written in 1978. The director, Ian Rickson, has himself had many successes in recent years and is highly praised among the theatre-going critics. It's easy to see why. Betrayal is a magnificent story with adult themes of deceit, desire and decadence. It is both shocking and thought provoking. Those that know anything of love and friendship will easily realise the hard truths that the story is trying to tell. The story of Betrayal is certainly a moving one. Anyone that has ever experienced heart-break or betrayal themselves will easily feel the pain portrayed by the actors, which is why Betrayal is so clever - it speaks to the audience.
With its adult themes Betrayal is certainly not suitable for young audiences - for obvious reasons. But it is also clear that young audiences would not appreciate the subtle intricacies and complexities of adult relationships. It is reasonable to say that the play would be wasted on them - without sounding too snobby or patronising.
Betrayal is only running at the Comedy Theatre in Panton Street until August, so be sure to book your tickets now to save disappointment. Remember, you can save up to 50% on Betrayal tickets using our comparison service. Book online today!
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