James Graham’s latest theatrical endeavor, “Make It Happen,” bravely plunges into the tumultuous narrative of the 2008 banking crisis, specifically charting the dramatic downfall of Royal Bank of Scotland CEO Fred “the Shred” Goodwin. Staged as part of the prestigious Edinburgh International Festival, this production promises an unflinching look at one of recent history’s most significant financial meltdowns, inviting audiences to reconsider the events that brought a titan of the financial world to its knees.
At the heart of Graham’s play is the compelling portrayal of Fred Goodwin by Sandy Grierson, capturing the intricate transformation of an ambitious accountant into a figure consumed by megalomania. Adding a unique, albeit debated, theatrical layer, Brian Cox delivers a cameo as the spectral figure of Adam Smith, the father of modern economics, whose philosophical musings on human nature and the market are comically mangled by Goodwin’s actions.
The play serves as a timely reminder of the frantic pace of our news cycles and the ease with which monumental events like the near-collapse of the global banking system can fade from collective memory. Graham’s decision to zoom in on the specific crisis involving RBS in 2008 offers a microcosm of the wider financial turmoil, providing a focused yet expansive lens through which to examine accountability and systemic failures within the financial sector.
While possessing some of the energetic, ‘knockabout’ qualities seen in Graham’s previous works, “Make It Happen” attempts to infuse the complexities of banking with a dramatic flair. The production, directed by Andrew Panton, maintains a galloping pace, despite the inherent challenge of making financial machinations as inherently thrilling as, for instance, a football match. This narrative drive is supported by a versatile ensemble cast adeptly portraying various executives and public figures, including a notable turn as Gordon Brown.
Sandy Grierson’s interpretation of Fred Goodwin is particularly convincing, depicting him as a ‘shark-like’ yet initially ‘gauche’ individual, unexpectedly thrust into the limelight. The play meticulously traces Goodwin’s ascent and subsequent moral and professional decline, highlighting how his ambition, unchecked by sufficient oversight from politicians, ultimately led to catastrophic consequences for RBS and the broader economy. This critical examination extends to the interconnected world of Scottish politics, with some pointed satirical observations.
However, the theatrical integration of Adam Smith’s ghost provides some of the play’s more polarising moments. Brian Cox, though a formidable actor, struggles at times with the semi-comic relief intended for his character, and his liberal use of expletives, while perhaps a nod to his “Succession” persona, can feel strained and repetitive, diminishing the comedic impact and philosophical depth Graham might have intended.
Visually and audibly, the co-production with National Theatre of Scotland and Dundee Rep employs a range of multimedia techniques, including a storm of video effects and karaoke-style pop music performances by artists like ELO and The Killers. Anna Fleische’s set design, dominated by columns evocative of financial graphs, cleverly underpins the narrative. Yet, some of these ambitious production choices, particularly the musical interludes, occasionally feel disjointed and fail to consistently advance the play’s central themes, leaving certain scenes feeling disconnected from the weighty subject matter.
Ultimately, while “Make It Happen” commendably tackles a subject of epic historical significance—the collapse of RBS under Fred Goodwin’s leadership—it struggles to fully elevate Goodwin to the status of a truly great, compelling villain. Despite its ambition and strong performances, the broad-brush strokes applied to this complex financial saga sometimes dilute the potential for deeper character study and more nuanced exploration of the banking crisis, resulting in a production that is engaging but falls short of its potential for profound impact.
