I recently had the pleasure of attending "The Lehman Trilogy" at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, and I can confidently say it’s one of the most captivating theatrical experiences I've ever had. From the moment the lights dimmed, I was completely absorbed in the story of the Lehman brothers and their remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming titans of the finance world! Apart from a pianist (Cat Beveridge) off stage, the show was performed by just 3 actors. Each switching characters in a instant. Superb timing.
Henry Lehman was played by Leighton Pugh. Mayer Lehman by Aaron Krohn and Emanuel Lehman was played by Howard W. Overshown. To learn the amount of dialogue they had to say was a feat in itself. The show is not short. 3 hours and 20 minutes in length and broken up into three sections, the last being the darkest. The actors characterisation was just a joy to see and allowed the audience to embed themselves into the characters and the performance.
Directed by Sam Mendes and with the set designed by Es Devlin which consisted of a revolving stage, which had placed filling boxes used to show various parts of their growth and development. Very clever use of back drop projections by Luke Hall his vision on the animations was so powerful. Credit must also go to Jon Clark for the lighting that complimented all on stage and the backdrop animation. Throughout the performances you heard a piano playing music that related the feelings of the time. Composer Nick Powell had written a wonderful score and a great sound stage. At moments in the show, you actually forgot there was a pianist.
The writing is nothing short of brilliant, weaving together history, ambition, and the complexities of human relationships with seamless precision. The narrative structure, which spans generations, is both innovative and engaging, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats as we witness the rise and fall of this iconic family.
The performances are absolutely stellar. Each actor brings depth and nuance to their roles, embodying the characters with such authenticity that you can’t help but feel their triumphs and tragedies. The chemistry between the cast is palpable, enhancing the emotional weight of the story and making every moment feel real and impactful.
The staging is also a highlight, with a minimalist yet incredibly effective set design that allows the storytelling to take centre stage. The use of lighting and sound further elevates the production, creating a rich atmosphere that draws you into each scene.
I left the theatre feeling as though I had experienced not just a play, but a profound exploration of ambition, family, and the consequences of our choices. "The Lehman Trilogy" is a must-see for anyone who appreciates powerful storytelling and exceptional performances. I cannot recommend it highly enough—definitely deserving of a full five stars! Bravo to the entire cast and crew for such an unforgettable night at the theatre!
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History of the Lehman Brothers
Lehman Brothers was an American financial services firm that played a significant role in the history of investment banking, particularly in the 20th and early 21st centuries. Founded in 1850 by brothers Henry, Emanuel, and Mayer Lehman in Montgomery, Alabama, the firm initially operated as a general merchandise store before transitioning into a cotton brokerage business. This pivot capitalized on the booming cotton industry in the South.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Lehman Brothers expanded its operations, establishing itself as a major player in the investment banking sector. In 1906, the firm moved its headquarters to New York City, which positioned it well for growth in capital markets. The company was involved in key financial activities, including underwriting, asset management, and trading.
By the mid-20th century, Lehman Brothers had established itself as a prominent investment bank, especially known for its expertise in fixed-income securities. The firm went public in 1961, which further facilitated its expansion.
The 1980s and 1990s saw Lehman Brothers grow through a series of mergers and acquisitions, notably merging with the investment banking division of the American Express Company in 1984. This merger helped Lehman Brothers to expand its reach and capabilities in the financial industry.
However, the firm faced significant challenges leading up to the financial crisis of 2007-2008. Lehman Brothers was heavily involved in the mortgage-backed securities market, and as the housing bubble burst, the value of these securities plummeted. The firm struggled with liquidity issues and mounting losses.
On September 15, 2008, Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11, marking the largest bankruptcy filing in U.S. history. This event sent shock waves through the global financial system, contributing to a severe financial crisis and prompting widespread government intervention to stabilise the economy.
In the aftermath, Lehman Brothers' assets were sold off, with Barclays acquiring its North American investment banking and trading divisions and Nomura Holdings acquiring its Asian operations. The collapse of Lehman Brothers is often cited as a pivotal moment in the 2008 financial crisis, symbolising the excesses and failures of the financial system leading up to that period.