Tom Stoppard’s 'The Invention of Love' Revived to Divisive Reviews

Simon Russell Beale’s performance as AE Housman earns praise, but critics remain split on the play’s dense intellectualism and emotional impact.

The Hampstead Theatre hosts the first major London revival of Tom Stoppard’s 1997 play 'The Invention of Love,' running through February 1, 2024.
Simon Russell Beale’s portrayal of the older AE Housman has been widely lauded for its wit, depth, and emotional nuance.
Blanche McIntyre’s production features striking visuals, including a dark, whirlpool-like set and stylized onstage boats, to evoke the play’s dreamlike tone.
While some critics praise Stoppard’s erudition and the play’s exploration of unrequited love and Victorian morality, others find its intellectual density alienating and overly academic.
Supporting performances, including Dickie Beau as Oscar Wilde and Matthew Tennyson as the younger Housman, have also received notable acclaim.