Inside the national theatre’s bold season: From high-stakes finance to emotional final Acts in end
National Theatre in London
The National Theatre in London is set to close the year with two strikingly different yet emotionally charged productions — In Finance, Man Makes His Own Miracles and End, the final chapter in David Eldridge’s decade-long exploration of love and human frailty. Both productions promise a deep, modern reflection on what it means to survive — in business, in love, and within oneself.
A Financier on the Brink: ‘In Finance, Man Makes His Own Miracles’
Set against the vibrant but chaotic backdrop of 1930s New York City — an era shaped by jazz, Broadway, and the Great Depression — In Finance, Man Makes His Own Miracles explores ambition, corruption, and redemption.
At its heart is Gregor Antonescu, a once-powerful international financier whose empire begins to crumble after a disastrous business deal sends shockwaves through the global market. Desperate to salvage his reputation, Gregor seeks refuge in the apartment of his estranged son, Basil, where long-buried truths unravel.
Directed by Anthony Lau (The Crucible), this adaptation of Terence Rattigan’s classic play delivers a sharp, contemporary edge. Ben Daniels (The Normal Heart) takes on the role of Gregor, while Laurie Kynaston (Long Day’s Journey into Night) plays Basil. Together, they ignite a compelling father-son dynamic filled with tension, love, and the painful cost of ambition.
Through Lau’s direction, the production juxtaposes personal and financial collapse, asking: when power fades, what remains of a man? The play’s sleek staging and emotional intensity make it a timely commentary on greed and moral decay in high finance — one that feels as relevant now as it did in the Great Depression.
Love, Loneliness, and the Passage of Time: David Eldridge’s ‘End’
Meanwhile, End marks the final act in David Eldridge’s acclaimed trilogy, following Beginning (2017) and Middle (2022). Each play has explored love, intimacy, and disconnection through the lens of different life stages. In End, Eldridge reunites audiences with his familiar format — a real-time two-hander — but this time, the focus is on a couple confronting the twilight of their relationship.
Starring Clive Owen (Closer, Gosford Park) as Alfie and Saskia Reeves (Slow Horses, Wolf Hall) as Julie, the play unfolds with wit, warmth, and heartbreaking honesty. Together, they navigate the quiet complexities of long-term love, grappling with illness, grief, and the choices that define the final chapters of a shared life.
Directed by Rachel O’Riordan of the Lyric Hammersmith, End balances raw dialogue with moments of levity, reminding audiences that even endings can carry beauty and courage. The production also marks the conclusion of Rufus Norris’s tenure as Artistic Director of the National Theatre, closing his era on a profoundly human note.
A Theatre Season That Mirrors Life Itself
What makes these productions stand out is how they speak to one another — one set in the ruthless corridors of global finance, the other in the quiet spaces of the heart. Both question integrity, resilience, and what happens when the masks we wear — whether in business or love — begin to slip.
From Rattigan’s exploration of power and redemption to Eldridge’s meditation on love and loss, the National Theatre’s latest offerings remind us that every story, no matter how grand or intimate, is ultimately about survival.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is In Finance, Man Makes His Own Miracles about?
It tells the story of Gregor Antonescu, a powerful financier whose empire collapses during the Great Depression, forcing him to confront personal and moral failures.
2. Who stars in End by David Eldridge?
Clive Owen and Saskia Reeves lead as Alfie and Julie, a couple reckoning with the emotional weight of love, time, and closure.
3. Are Beginning, Middle, and End connected?
Yes, thematically. They each explore different stages of relationships but can be enjoyed independently.
4. When will End be showing at the National Theatre?
The production runs from November 13, 2025, to January 17, 2026.
5. What makes these productions significant?
They reflect two sides of human experience — the external struggle for power and the internal struggle for love — showcasing the National Theatre’s range and artistic depth.