Recently, I had the privilege of seeing My Master Builder in London’s West End, and I’m still thinking about it. This production is a powerful mix of great acting, thoughtful writing, and real emotional impact. If you can catch it before it closes, do it.

At the centre of the play is Ewan McGregor, who is incredible as Halvard Solness, a successful but deeply troubled architect. He holds your attention from the moment he steps on stage. What really stood out to me was how he shifts between control and fear. His Solness feels strong and broken at the same time. Every look and word feels honest.

Rebecca Root plays Hilde Wangel, the young woman who suddenly enters Solness’s life. She brings a fresh, mysterious energy. There’s something playful about her at first, but as the story goes on, she becomes more unsettling. You’re never quite sure what she wants, and that makes her scenes with McGregor all the more gripping.

This is not a classic retelling. David Hare’s version is a modern take on Ibsen’s The Master Builder, bringing the themes into a sharper and more current focus. The first act feels a bit uneven. Some of the dialogue comes off slightly stiff, almost too written, and the pace struggles to fully land. But don’t let that put you off. The second act is where the play truly finds its voice. It’s intense, layered, and emotionally charged, pulling everything together in a way that hits deep.

The set design is simple and clean, letting the performances shine. There are no big tricks or visuals, but that choice works. It keeps the focus on the characters and their tangled emotions. You feel close to them, like you’re watching something real unfold.

The rest of the cast are just as strong:

• Kate Fleetwood as Aline, Solness’s wife, gives a moving and quiet performance filled with sadness

• David Ajala plays Ragnar, a young man full of frustration, stuck in someone else’s shadow

• Mirren Mack as Kaja, Ragnar’s fiancée, adds depth without saying much, showing strength and hidden feelings

What I liked most was how this production allows things to remain open. It doesn’t try to explain everything or give you clear answers. You’re left with questions. Is Hilde telling the truth? Is Solness slipping into madness? There’s space to feel uncertain, and that’s part of what makes it so gripping.

My Master Builder is one of those rare plays that stays with you. It’s emotional, strange, and full of life. Ewan McGregor gives a performance you won’t forget. The whole team creates something honest and bold.

It easily earns a strong 4.5 out of 5 from me. The performances are outstanding, the second act is deeply moving, and the overall experience is rich and thought-provoking. It’s not perfect, the first half could have landed stronger, but what follows more than makes up for it.

If you can, go see it. You’ll leave the theatre thinking and feeling more than you expected.

Show Information:

• Venue: Wyndham’s Theatre, 32–36 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0DA
• Run Dates: 17 April – 12 July 2025
• Ticket Prices: Starting from £25

Tickets are available through various official outlets, including:

• Wyndham's Theatre
• London Theatre
• TodayTix