Luke Wilson and Boni Adeliyi star in the enigmatic and poignant production of The Mountaintop, written by Katori Hall and performed in Winchester’s Theatre Royal.

Showing from June 9 to 11, it manifests the final hours of Dr. Martin Luther King’s life in a motel room in Memphis, Tennessee.

King, portrayed by Wilson, returns to his motel exhausted and self-doubting, and orders a coffee via room service.

The engaging and somewhat feisty Canae played by Adeliyi soon arrives. In her winning debut Adeliyi delivers throughout, stealing the show with her charm and poise.

The two protagonists guide the audience to two powerful soliloquies, facing each and everyone of us with strength and passion, demonstrating the conflict between heroism and humanity.

Director John Terry excels in a theatrical portrayal of Dr. King’s demise and brings the best out of these stunning actors.

To conclude the opening night, Terry opened up a live debate with the audience and players, stimulating us in a refection of what has been a marvellous evening.

Katori’s tale has undoubtedly been told and its recipients have been satiated.

Winner of the Olivier Award for Best New Play in 2010, this exceptional piece of theatre also explores the conflict of King’s public image and his ‘real’ person.

Instead of manifesting the iconic historical figure we witness his intimate nature and glimpse into the last murky hours of his life.

Both grasping perfectly the essence of Katori’s work, Wilson and Adeliyi are due high praise for their dedication to the script and flawless performances throughout.

Lighting and sound creatives Rory Beaton and Jon Nicholls contribute greatly to the sombre mood of the production and bring depth to what can only be described as a masterpiece.

The Mountaintop is an innovative must for budding theatre goers in reach of Winchester, and could not be better appreciated than in Hampshire’s finest and most historical Theatre Royal.

Review by Justin Connolly

The Mountaintop will be at Theatre Royal Winchester from Thursday 9 to Saturday 11 June. Age guidance 14+. For more information or to book tickets visit theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk or call 01962 840 440.