Russell Tovey Commands Donmar Warehouse Cop Thriller

Russell Tovey stars as a lone officer in a control room in "The Guilty," a new theatrical production at the Donmar Warehouse in London. Directed by Felix Barrett of Punchdrunk, the play adapts the 2018 Danish film "Den Skyldige," originally by Gustav Möller and Emil Nygaard Albertsen. The production is described as a fantastically theatrical experience, blending elements of a crime thriller and a ghost story.

At 70 minutes long, "The Guilty" is shorter than its film source material but is noted for being arguably more devastating. The play generates razor suspense that instills a sense of dread in the audience, leaving them palpably affected. The reviewer found the performance so absorbing that note-taking was nearly abandoned due to the inability to look away from the stage.

The Donmar Warehouse has previously staged adaptations of films like "Force Majeure" and "The Fear of 13" with varied success. However, "The Guilty" is highlighted as a particularly impactful theatrical endeavor, showcasing Tovey's commanding presence in a role that drives the gripping narrative.