Patriots (play)

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.

Patriots
West End Poster
Written by	Peter Morgan
Directed by	Rupert Goold
Date premiered	12 July 2022 (2022-07-12)
Place premiered	Almeida Theatre, London
Original language	English
Genre	Drama

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.^[1] 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.^[2]

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.^[3]

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 .^[4] Sonia Friedman is the producer.^[5] Full casting was announced on 27 February 2024. The Broadway production is directed by Rupert Goold.^[6]

Cast and characters

Character	Off-West End[2]	West End[7]	Broadway[8]
	2022	2023	2024
Boris Berezovsky	Tom Hollander		Michael Stuhlbarg
Vladimir Putin	Will Keen
Roman Abramovich	Luke Thallon
Assistant/Daniel Kahneman/Captain	Matt Concannon		Nick Rehberger
Professor Perelman	Ronald Guttman
Voloshin/Nurse	Sean Kingsley		Peter Bradbury
Korzhakov/Yeltsin/FSB Boss	Paul Kynman
Anna Berezovsky/Newscaster/Secretary	Jessica Temple		Rosie Benton
Alexander Litvinenko	Jamael Westman	Josef Davies	Alex Hurt
Teacher/Newscaster	Stephen Fewell	Howard Cossington	Jeff Biehl
Marina Litvinenko	Yolanda Kettle	Stefanie Martini	Stella Baker
Nina Berezovsky			Camila Canó-Flavia
Tatiana	Aoife Hinds	Evelyn Miller
Katya			Marianna Gailus

Awards

Original London production

Year	Award	Category	Nominee	Result	Ref.
2023	Laurence Olivier Awards	Best New Play		Nominated	[9]
		Best Actor	Tom Hollander	Nominated
		Best Actor in a Supporting Role	Will Keen	Won

Broadway production

Year	Award	Category	Nominee	Result	Ref.
2024	Tony Award	Best Actor in a Play	Michael Stuhlbarg	Nominated	[10]
	Drama League Awards	Outstanding Production of a Play		Nominated	[11]
		Distinguished Performance	Michael Stuhlbarg	Nominated
		Outstanding Direction of a Play	Rupert Goold	Nominated
	Outer Critics Circle Award	Outstanding New Broadway Play	Peter Morgan	Nominated	[12]
		Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Play	Michael Stuhlbarg	Nominated
		Outstanding Video/Projections	Ash J. Woodward	Nominated
	Theatre World Award		Will Keen	Won	[13]