Matt Smith Returns to West End in An Enemy of the People

Famous for his iconic portrayal of the Doctor in the long-running series "Doctor Who," Matt Smith is making a long-awaited return to London's West End with his upcoming role in "An Enemy of the People." Although Smith has ventured into various roles on screen, including in "American Psycho" and "Unreachable," he has been somewhat cautious about leveraging his fame for a West End production. However, in 2024, he will finally grace the West End stage again, marking his first appearance in over 15 years.

The play, "An Enemy of the People," is a renowned work by Henrik Ibsen, focusing on Dr. Stockmann, a scientist who uncovers the contamination of his hometown's supposedly healing waters, leading to a catastrophic clash with those close to him. What makes this production particularly thrilling for hardcore theatre enthusiasts is that it will be the English-language premiere of a legendary adaptation by Thomas Ostermeier, the artistic director of Germany's prestigious Schaubühne Berlin.

One standout moment in this production is the setpiece climax, where Smith, in his role as Stockmann, engages the actual audience in an ethical debate. The outcome remains uncertain, whether it will smoothly progress as intended, turn into a lively discussion resembling "Question Time," or attract an influx of passionate Doctor Who fans. Regardless, the anticipation is building for this two-month run of "An Enemy of the People," set to take place at the Duke of York's Theatre from February 26 to April 6, 2024.