Betrayal was written by Harold Pinter in 1978. It was first produced by the National Theatre in London that same year. A film version was released in 1983 starring Jeremy Irons, Patricia Hodge, and Ben Kingsley. A 2013 revival in New York starred Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz, and Rafe Spall. And now it’s running at the Goodman Theatre. 

A woman has an affair with her husband’s best friend. The husband finds out, but not until many years later. The acts of the play take place in reverse chronological order, like the film Memento. 

Unfortunately, it never feels like there is any tension or climatic moment. With the events going backwards in time, the audience already knows what is going to happen. 

Ian Barford (Another Marriage, Linda Vista) is excellent as the husband, especially when he discovers the affair. Sean Leonard (The Gilded Age, House) is great as the best friend. Helen Hunt (Mad About You, As Good as It Gets) is solid as the woman, but her accent is a bit distracting. 

Cost of a ticket: $75

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Discounted

Rating Scale: Exceptional Value > Worth It > Discounted > Go for Free > Don’t Bother

Get tickets now for Betrayal through March 30th. 

Quinn Delaney