Patriots is a dramatic stage play by British playwright Peter Morgan. The play explores the rise and fall of Boris Berezovsky, a powerful Russian oligarch who was instrumental in shaping post-Soviet Russia. Set during the 1990s and early 2000s, the play follows Berezovsky’s meteoric rise from mathematician to billionaire media mogul and kingmaker, as he helps Vladimir Putin ascend to power—only to later become his enemy.
As Berezovsky's influence wanes and Putin consolidates control, the play explores themes of loyalty, ambition, betrayal, and the cost of political power. Morgan’s sharp dialogue and historical insight provide a chilling portrait of modern Russian politics and the moral compromises behind empire-building.
Productions
Off-West End (2022) Patriots had its world premiere at the Almeida Theatre in London on 12 July 2022, following previews from 2 July. It played a limited run to 20 August. The cast featured Tom Hollander, Will Keen, Yolanda Kettle, Luke Thallon, Matt Concannon, Stephen Fewell, Ronald Guttman, Aoife Hinds, Sean Kingsley, Paul Kynman, Jessica Temple and Jamael Westman.
West End (2023) In August 2022, it was announced that the Almeida production would transfer to the Noël Coward Theatre in the West End. The show began previews on 26 May 2023 with an official opening on 6 June 2023. The show played a 12-week limited engagement, concluding on 19 August 2023.
Broadway (2024) In January 2024, it was announced that the show will transfer Broadway for a 12-week limited engagement. Will Keen and Luke Thallon reprised their performances as Vladimir Putin and Roman Abramovich respectively, with Michael Stuhlbarg joining the cast as Boris Berezovsky. The show began previews on April 1, 2024 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre and officially opened on April 22 . Sonia Friedman is the producer. Full casting was announced on 27 February 2024. The Broadway production is directed by Rupert Goold.
Cast and characters +CharacterOff-West EndWest EndBroadway202220232024Boris Berezovsky Tom Hollander Michael StuhlbargVladimir Putin Will KeenRoman Abramovich Luke ThallonAssistant/Daniel Kahneman/Captain Matt Concannon Nick RehbergerProfessor Perelman Ronald GuttmanVoloshin/Nurse Sean Kingsley Peter BradburyKorzhakov/Yeltsin/FSB Boss Paul KynmanAnna Berezovsky/Newscaster/Secretary Jessica Temple Rosie BentonAlexander Litvinenko Jamael Westman Josef Davies Alex HurtTeacher/Newscaster Stephen Fewell Howard Cossington Jeff BiehlMarina Litvinenko Yolanda Kettle Stefanie Martini Stella BakerNina BerezovskyCamila Canó-FlaviaTatianaAoife HindsEvelyn MillerKatya Marianna Gailus
Awards
Original London production Year Award Category Nominee ResultRef. Laurence Olivier AwardsBest New PlayBest ActorTom HollanderBest Actor in a Supporting RoleWill Keen
Broadway production Year Award Category Nominee ResultRef. Tony Award Best Actor in a Play Michael Stuhlbarg Drama League Awards Outstanding Production of a Play Distinguished Performance Michael Stuhlbarg Outstanding Direction of a Play Rupert Goold Outer Critics Circle Award Outstanding New Broadway Play Peter Morgan Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Play Michael Stuhlbarg Outstanding Projection Design Ash J. Woodward Theatre World Award Will Keen
References
External links