A Matter of Life and Death at the New Vic Review

A Matter of Life and Death Review

As spring begins, the New Vic launches their latest in house production – continuing the theme from “The Last Pub Quiz on earth” – A matter of Life and Death explores the complexities of living on the brink of death.

Directed by Artistic Director Theresa Heskins and based on the 1946 film of the same name, this is a show that will be sure to leave audiences talking long
after the last act – Review by Mel Osborne

We are plunged into the dark times of World War 2 amongst the partying of the young officers where the darker side of war is quickly revealed, as Peter (Thomas Dennis), who is minutes from plunging to his death has a radio conversation with American Officer June (Kaylah Copeland).

Within minutes of hearing their voices they fall in love. A phenomenon not unheard of during the chaos and uncertainty of war.

But when Peter cheats death it raises a concern with the powers that be up above to summon him to court and contest whether he should continue living or take his place in Heaven with his peers.

A Matter of Life and Death is an eccentric but delightful story which brings up many questions.

The play also explores the relationship between Americans and the English and was written as a propaganda piece to encourage both sides to unite against the enemy.

(Images by Andrew Billington)

Michael-Hugo-Matter-of-Life-and-death-New-Vic-April-2025

No expense has been spared in this latest production. The effects are spellbinding and scary and the theatre uses a revolve in the floor which has an amazing effect with a great deal of balance and poise from the exceptionally talented 15-piece ensemble.

A 10-piece Jazz band is one of the star attractions of the show, with 1940 hits being sang by a variety of cast members – such as Shoo Shoo Baby and In the mood.

Under the musical direction of Akintayo (Tayo) Akinbode, the beat and the energy of the music stays under your skin hours after the show has ended.

New Vic favourites Polly Lister as Doc Reeves and Michael Hugo as Conductor 71 join the cast bringing fun and frivolity to an otherwise serious storyline.

Lister clearly seemed to be having the time of her life riding a motorbike around the famous theatre in the round and the staging and lighting design by Laura McEwen and Alexander Stafford was stunning.

There were many moments when as an audience we could have been in the actual film as it emulated the magic of a black and white British film, cut glass accents and pink lemonade in the sunshine.

This production is another triumph for the New Vic theatre and once again showcases the amazing work a small theatre in Staffordshire can produce and why it is one of the best.

A truly mesmerizing performance with the calibre of a West End performance.

5 stars