The final installment of the Ralph Fiennes season at the Theatre Royal, Bath premiered last week to mixed national reviews. However, local audiences and critics alike have celebrated the production Small Hotel, starring Ralph Fiennes alongside Francesca Annis, as a remarkable theatrical experience not to be missed.
Fiennes, who first grew fond of the Theatre Royal’s stage during his appearance in T.S. Eliot’s Four Quartets in 2021, returns with a captivating performance in this new play by Rebecca Lenkiewicz. While Small Hotel’s plot can be complex and at times chaotic, the play excels in delivering storytelling through its energetic acting, dynamic stage effects, lively music, and vibrant dance sequences.
The narrative follows Larry, a failed TV chat show host portrayed with immense depth and dry wit by Fiennes. The play’s innovative structure, reminiscent of the inventive style of Dennis Potter’s The Singing Detective, blends moments of surreal karaoke with poignant drama, allowing audiences an intimate and sometimes humorous glimpse into Larry’s troubled life.
READ MORE: Drink Driver Jailed After Taking Vehicle Without Consent and Driving on Blown Out Tyre
READ MORE: Yeovil Town Faces Setback After Early FA Cup Exit
Fiennes delivers a multi-faceted performance: he is at once the flawed, middle-aged lecher, the disillusioned man burdened by failed relationships and oppressive family ties, and the lovable underdog who breaks the fourth wall in engaging soliloquies. Francesca Annis shines as Larry’s complex mother Athena, whose controlling and toxic presence drives much of the emotional tension.
The play’s non-linear timeline mirrors the fragmented nature of memory and life itself, presenting a mosaic of Larry’s past and present. Themes of love, loss, and identity emerge through the haunting role of Death, portrayed by Rachel Tucker, who guides Larry through this odyssey as he lies wounded.
Complementing the poignant drama is a strong dose of comedy, much of it delivered with Fiennes’ characteristic charm. The chemistry between Larry and his young love interest Marianne, played by Rosalind Eleazar, adds layers of sarcasm and bittersweet nostalgia. Their reunion scene, including a cheeky on-screen kiss, stands out as one of the production’s most entertaining moments.
Visually, the play is a feast. Innovative staging features a revolving scene platform, video calls with Larry’s twin brother Richard (also played by Fiennes), and a striking video backdrop blending Hollywood musicals and vintage tap dancing. Technical wizardry by Bob Crowley and spirited direction from Holly Race Roughan bring this ambitious play to vibrant life.
Small Hotel showcases bold, contemporary theatre with a strong cast and creative team, making it a highlight of Bath’s cultural scene. It concludes the successful Ralph Fiennes season—marked by large audiences and critical acclaim—and points to further transfers to the West End for productions like Grace Pervades and As You Like It.
Running until Saturday, October 18, Small Hotel offers audiences in Bath the chance to experience compelling, modern theatre with world-class performances right on their doorstep.