Ewan McGregor Returns to the West End in a Modern Take on Ibsen’s “Master Builder”
After a 17-year absence, Ewan McGregor is making a triumphant return to the London stage, taking on the lead role in Lila Raicek’s “My Master Builder.” This highly anticipated production will be staged at Wyndham’s Theatre, with previews beginning April 17 and the official opening night slated for April 29. Performances are scheduled to run until July 12.
Reuniting with Michael Grandage
“My Master Builder” marks a reunion between McGregor and acclaimed director Michael Grandage. The pair previously collaborated on insightful and critically lauded productions of “Othello” and “Guys and Dolls” at the Donmar Warehouse. Their shared history promises a dynamic and captivating theatrical experience.
A Modern Exploration of Relationships and Power
Inspired by Henrik Ibsen’s 1892 masterpiece, Raicek’s “My Master Builder” offers a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on the original work. The play centers around Elena Solness, a successful publishing magnate who prepares to host a lavish party at her Hamptons home to celebrate her husband Henry’s (McGregor) latest architectural triumph. Their seemingly idyllic union is thrown into turmoil by the unexpected arrival of Mathilde, a former student of Henry’s with whom he shares a complicated past.
As the evening progresses, secrets are exposed, and long-buried tensions resurface, forcing Elena, Henry, and Mathilde to confront their desires, vulnerabilities, and the complex power dynamics at play in their relationships.
A Stellar Cast and Accessible Tickets
Further casting for “My Master Builder” will be announced in the coming weeks, building anticipation for this significant theatrical event. Tickets for the production went on sale starting at midday local time on Tuesday. The producers have made the show accessible to a wide audience by making over 10,000 tickets available at £25 throughout the run.
“It’s such a thrill be returning to the stage – and to work with Michael again, an actor’s director with whom I have had some of my happiest working experiences,” McGregor said in a statement. “He’s a generous collaborator, who enables you to discover the play together afresh in the rehearsal room. And what a play – I love where Lila has taken the story, a very modern take on today’s sexual politics.”
Grandage added, “It’s always a privilege to open a new play in the West End and to bring emerging and original voices to as wide an audience as possible. I’m excited to collaborate with writer Lila Raicek, staging ‘My Master Builder’ in London this spring. The production is also a joyful reunion with Ewan McGregor — an extraordinary stage actor, working together for the first time on a world premiere, in a brand-new partnership for MGC with MarketStall and Seaview.”
What makes the collaboration between Ewan McGregor and Michael Grandage on “My Master Builder” particularly noteworthy?
## Interview with [Alex Reed Name], Theatre Critic, on Ewan McGregor’s Return to the West End
**Interviewer:** Welcome back, [Alex Reed Name]. Theatre fans are buzzing with the news of Ewan McGregor returning to the London stage after 17 years. Tell us about this exciting production.
**Alex Reed Name:** It’s truly a momentous occasion! McGregor is taking on the lead role in “My Master Builder,” a modern reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s classic play, at Wyndham’s Theatre. Previews start on April 17th, with the official opening night on April 29th. [[1](https://www.timeout.com/london/news/ewan-mcgregor-is-returning-to-the-west-end-with-his-first-theater-role-in-17-years-120324)]
**Interviewer:** What can audiences expect from this production?
**Alex Reed Name:** This isn’t your typical period piece. Playwright Lila Raicek has modernized Ibsen’s story, setting it amongst the glitz and glamour of the Hamptons. It explores complex themes of relationships, power dynamics, and past regrets, all through the lens of a successful publishing magnate, Elena Solness, and her architect husband, Henry, played by McGregor.
**Interviewer:** We understand this is a reunion between McGregor and renowned director Michael Grandage?
**Alex Reed Name:** That’s right! They previously collaborated on acclaimed productions like “Othello” and “Guys and Dolls”. Their shared history and understanding of each other’s creative processes promises a truly captivating theatrical experience.
**Interviewer:** Sounds like a must-see! Thank you for sharing your insights, [Alex Reed Name].
**Alex Reed Name:** My pleasure!
