one4review | On 16, Aug 2026

There can be few more remarkable lives to put on a stage than that of Simon Wiesenthal, the Holocaust survivor who devoted decades to tracking down Nazi war criminals. Tom Dugan’s Wiesenthal avoids turning that extraordinary story into a straightforward history lesson, instead allowing Wiesenthal himself to reflect on his life and work during his final day in his Vienna office in 2003.

The device is an effective one. We become visitors to the office, and Christopher C Gibbs, as Wiesenthal, immediately creates the sense that we are being given a personal audience with the remarkable man. There is warmth and humour alongside the darker memories, and Gibbs handles the changes in mood with great skill.

The story takes us from Wiesenthal’s survival of Auschwitz to his decision, after the Americans left Europe, to continue the work of identifying and pursuing Nazi war criminals. His determination was extraordinary, but the play is equally interested in the obstacles he faced, including bureaucracy and an Austria that was often reluctant to confront its Nazi past.

Among the many stories he recalls is the trial of Adolf Eichmann, whose appearance disappointed Wiesenthal because he looked so ordinary. That observation gets to the heart of one of the play’s most important themes: evil does not necessarily arrive in the form of a monster. Understanding how Nazism gained acceptance in the first place is essential if we are to recognise the warning signs when they appear again.

Gibbs gives a thoroughly convincing performance. His Wiesenthal is neither saintly nor one-dimensional, and the combination of humanity, humour and determination makes the character feel remarkably alive.

This is an important story, but also an engaging piece of theatre. Well written, compellingly performed and a timely reminder that history is not enough unless we learn from it. I would highly recommended going to see this performance for yourselves.

5 stars *****
Reviewed by Howard
Dining Room at Gilded Balloon Teviot
Until 30th August (excl. 19th and 26th)
13:15 – 14:25