Thursday 05 February 2026 3:45 pm | Updated: Thursday 05 February 2026 3:46 pm
Arcadia at the Old Vic: A Brilliant Farewell to Tom Stoppard
By: Steve Dinneen, Life&Style Editor
Arcadia | Old Vic | ★★★★☆
Tom Stoppard's Arcadia is a dazzling and intricate work of theatre, as expansive as the cosmos yet as meticulously crafted as a finely tuned puzzle. In this production at the Old Vic, Stoppard grapples with some of humanity's most profound inquiries: the nature of free will, the tension between scientific discovery and artistic expression, and the enduring mysteries of human desire.
A Journey Through Time at Sidley Park
The play unfolds at the Sidley Park country estate, beginning in the early 19th century. Here, we meet the precocious 13-year-old aristocrat Thomasina Coverly, whose intellectual brilliance far surpasses her years. Under the tutelage of the charming Septimus Hodge, a friend of the infamous Lord Byron, Thomasina explores advanced mathematical concepts, including the second law of thermodynamics—a theory not yet discovered in her time. The shadow of Byron looms large over the narrative, adding a layer of historical intrigue.
The early scenes are infused with a Wildean sharpness, delivering a comedy of manners that crackles with wit. Thomasina's probing questions, such as "Do you think God was a Newtonian?" are met with Septimus's clever retorts, setting the stage for a play that balances intellectual depth with humour.
Modern Academics and Timeless Quests
The action then shifts to the present day, where a group of academics scours Sidley Park for clues to their next big breakthroughs. Hannah Jarvis is obsessed with uncovering the identity of the "Sidley Park Hermit," seeing it as a symbol of romanticism's demise. Bernard Nightingale, with his slick demeanour, seeks to prove that Lord Byron fled after a fatal duel. Meanwhile, Valentine Coverly believes the key to his predictive algorithm lies hidden in the estate's old shooting journals.
As the narrative oscillates between centuries, the stage at the Old Vic—set in the round—spins like a clock or celestial bodies, mirroring the play's themes of time, space, and the interconnectedness of all things. This staging choice enhances the sense of a universe in motion, where past and present collide.
Humanity in the Face of Determinism
Thomasina theorises that a sufficiently complex algorithm, perhaps as vast as the universe itself, could predict every future event, touching on the age-old philosophical debate of determinism. Yet, she muses that the chaos and idiosyncrasies of human desire might disrupt this predictable machine, offering a glimmer of free will. This exploration is not merely academic; it resonates with the core of what makes us human.
Stellar Performances Bring Life to Ideas
Far from being dry or overly intellectual, the play is animated by a cast that captures the wonder at the heart of Stoppard's masterpiece. Isis Hainsworth shines as Thomasina, portraying her impetuousness with endearing charm rather than irritation. Seamus Dillane brings a vulpine elegance to Septimus, while Angus Cooper deserves special praise for imbuing mathematician Valentine with a contemplative melancholy, even as he navigates the play's more complex concepts.
The actors in the modern-day segments face a challenging task, often tasked with explaining intricate ideas, but they rise to the occasion, ensuring the narrative remains engaging and accessible.
A Poignant Message in Stoppard's Wake
Arcadia is ultimately a meditation on humanity—our relentless pursuit to unravel life's great mysteries, whether through imperfect mathematics, historical research, artistic expression, or raw emotion. It celebrates the act of striving and the passing of knowledge to future generations, allowing them to build upon the foundations laid by their predecessors.
In the wake of Tom Stoppard's passing last year, this production feels particularly poignant. It serves as a fitting tribute to a playwright who masterfully blended intellect with heart, leaving audiences to ponder the timeless questions that define our existence.
