The latest show at the Lyric Theatre brings blockbuster sci-fi action to Hammersmith. So what should you expect?
Minority Report is an adaptation of Philip K Dick’s famous short story of the same name, which was also turned into a 2002 movie directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Cruise.
The production is set in the not-too-distant future of 2050, where the British Pre-Crime Bureau is able to predict crimes before they happen. As such, murder has been all-but eradicated, and would-be criminals are arrested and imprisoned before they can commit their misdeeds.
Jodie McNee stars as Dame Julia Anderton, the creator of the Pre-Crime programme. But during a live presentation, the Anderton herself is accused of pre-murder, and goes on the run across future London.
What follows is a thrilling game of cat-and-mouse which could bring down the whole system Anderton has created, as she tries to clear her name.
Spectacular sets
The high-tech staging really brings the future world to life. Digital screens and impressive lighting effects create a cyberpunk dystopia, that resembles the big-screen adaptions of Philip K Dick novels like Blade Runner and Total Recall.
There’s also an impressive full-size futuristic taxi cab, and Anderton’s uncanny computerised assistant David is partially brought to life using clever digital projection.
Smart script
It’s not all just spectacle though. Philip K Dick’s original novella asked powerful questions about the importance of free will, and how much power our leaders should wield.
Writer David Haig’s script skilfully updates this element of the story to reflect modern day Britain, with subtle nods to our current day and age. The focus on the use of Artificial Intelligence also can’t help but be timely.
Minority Report runs until 18 May. Tickets from £10 are available via the Lyric Hammersmith theatre website. Suitable for ages 14 and above.
Free first nights
If you live or work in Hammersmith & Fulham, you can enter a draw for free tickets to the first night of any main show through our Free First Night scheme.
Keep up to date with all the fantastic arts and culture events happening in our borough, by subscribing to our monthly What’s On newsletter.
