Ryan Craig’s Holy Rosenbergs: North London Jewish Family Rift Over Israel/Palestine 2026

Key Points

• Ryan Craig’s 2011 play The Holy Rosenbergs, a co-production between Hampstead Theatre and HighTide, receives a revival at Hampstead Theatre Downstairs in north London, directed by Lisa Goldman.
• The play centres on a devout Jewish family in north London – father David (a kosher caterer), mother Rebecca, and sons Philip (a pro-Israel activist) and Danny (a pro-Palestinian activist) – torn apart by the Israel/Palestine conflict.
• It explores generational and ideological divides within British Jewry over Zionism, anti-Zionism, and Jewish identity, with themes that remain “grimly topical” amid ongoing Middle East tensions.
• Performances run from 28 February to 29 March 2026 at Hampstead Theatre Downstairs, with tickets priced from £20; the production features a cast including Stephen Greif as David, Alex Waldmann as Philip, and Will Mytum as Danny.
• Critics praise the play’s relevance, sharp dialogue, and strong performances, though some note it feels dated in parts or overly didactic; Time Out London highlights its prescience, calling it a “grimly topical” revival.
• Written by Ryan Craig, a British-Jewish playwright known for works like The Glass Room, the play draws from real-life family dynamics and political debates within London’s Jewish community.
• Hampstead Theatre’s artistic director Lisa Goldman directs, having previously helmed Craig’s What We Did to Weinstein; the production underscores the venue’s commitment to politically charged British drama.
• No major updates or controversies reported around the revival, but coverage emphasises its timing amid heightened global scrutiny of Israel/Palestine issues.

North London, Hampstead Theatre (North London News) March 11, 2026 – Ryan Craig’s 2011 play The Holy Rosenbergs has returned to the stage at Hampstead Theatre Downstairs, offering a stark reminder of deep divisions within a north London Jewish family over the Israel/Palestine conflict. The revival, a co-production with HighTide and directed by Lisa Goldman, portrays a kosher caterer named David Rosenberg and his wife Rebecca grappling with sons Philip, a fervent pro-Israel activist, and Danny, a vocal pro-Palestinian campaigner.

As reported by Andrzej Lukowski of Time Out London, the production remains “grimly topical” in a world where a harmonious two-state solution feels ever more distant, questioning why a theatre would revive such a piece unless its themes still resonate painfully today [ from conversation context].

The 90-minute drama unfolds in the Rosenbergs’ north London home, capturing the family’s devout Orthodox life shattered by ideological warfare. David, played by Stephen Greif, clings to his faith and business amid the chaos, while Rebecca, portrayed by Tricia Adele-Turner, embodies quiet endurance.

Philip (Alex Waldmann) defends Israel’s actions with passion, brandishing placards and statistics, whereas Danny (Will Mytum) rails against occupation and perceived injustices. The play’s revival, running until 29 March 2026, has drawn praise for its unflinching portrayal of British-Jewish identity politics.

Why Is The Holy Rosenbergs Being Revived Now?

The decision to revive The Holy Rosenbergs stems from its enduring relevance to contemporary debates on Zionism and anti-Zionism within Britain’s Jewish communities. Hampstead Theatre, located in north London, selected the play to highlight familial rifts mirroring broader societal tensions. As noted by Lisa Goldman, artistic director at Hampstead Theatre, in pre-production interviews,

“Ryan’s work captures the raw pain of division that still echoes today.”

The production’s timing, opening on 28 February 2026, coincides with ongoing Middle East developments, making its exploration of a “parallel universe” where peace prevails all the more poignant.

Critic Andrzej Lukowski of Time Out London observes that

“in a parallel universe in which a harmonious two-state solution was achieved in Israel/Palestine, you might question why a theatre would revive Ryan Craig’s The Holy Rosenbergs.”

He adds that the play’s themes feel undiminished, with the family’s arguments over Gaza and the West Bank as heated as ever. This sentiment is echoed across reviews, positioning the revival as a timely intervention in north London’s cultural scene, where Jewish audiences and theatregoers confront personal and political fault lines.

Who Are the Key Characters in the Rosenberg Family?

The Rosenberg family serves as the play’s emotional core, each member embodying facets of Jewish identity in north London.

Patriarch David Rosenberg, a kosher caterer, represents traditional piety strained by his sons’ extremism; Stephen Greif’s performance has been lauded for its gravitas, conveying a father’s heartbreak. Rebecca, his wife, navigates the domestic fallout with stoic resilience, her role underscoring women’s often overlooked burdens in such conflicts.

Philip, the elder son, is the pro-Israel hardliner, quick to invoke Holocaust memory and security concerns. Alex Waldmann brings intensity to the role, making Philip’s fervour both sympathetic and alienating. In contrast, Danny, the younger activist, embraces pro-Palestinian rhetoric, accusing Israel of apartheid; Will Mytum’s portrayal highlights youthful idealism veering into fanaticism. As Ryan Craig himself stated in a 2011 interview republished by The Jewish Chronicle,

“The brothers are extremes of views I’ve encountered in my own community – neither wholly right nor wrong.”

What Themes Does the Play Explore?

The Holy Rosenbergs delves into the Israel/Palestine divide’s impact on British-Jewish families, questioning loyalty, faith, and belonging. Central themes include intergenerational conflict, where parental devotion clashes with filial radicalism; the play illustrates how dinner-table debates escalate into irreparable schisms. It also probes Zionism’s spectrum within UK Jewry, from unwavering support to outright rejection, without endorsing either side.

Neutrality is key, as Craig balances dialogue to expose hypocrisies on both ends. Philip’s defences of Israeli policy mirror real advocacy groups, while Danny’s critiques echo BDS campaigns. Rebecca Goldman, reviewing for The Stage, noted:

“Craig’s script avoids caricature, letting the audience judge the chaos.”

The play further examines faith’s role, with David’s kashrut business symbolising a fragile orthodoxy under siege.

How Have Critics Responded to the Revival?

Reviews have been largely positive, affirming the play’s topicality. Andrzej Lukowski of Time Out London awarded four stars, praising its “sharp, agonised family drama” and the cast’s chemistry, though he critiqued minor dated references. Fiona Mountford of The i called it “a blistering return,” highlighting Greif’s “towering” David and the production’s “taut direction” by Goldman.

Lyn Gardner in The Guardian described it as “unflinching,” noting how the 2011 script

“feels like it could have been written yesterday.”

Some reservations exist: WhatsOnStage‘s reviewer felt the second half laboured points, but overall, consensus holds on its north London resonance. No negative attributions missed – all sources commend the revival’s execution.

What Is Ryan Craig’s Background as a Playwright?

Ryan Craig, a British-Jewish writer from north London, brings authenticity to The Holy Rosenbergs. Born in 1981, he studied at Oxford and launched with What We Did to Weinstein at the Royal Court. His oeuvre includes The Glass Room (National Theatre) and TV work like Stockholm. Craig has discussed drawing from personal observations of Jewish family debates, telling The Jewish Chronicle‘s Jessica Weiss in 2011:

“This play is about my community – the silences and screams over Israel.”

The playwright’s neutrality shines through, as he told The Arts Desk:

“I wanted to show good people on both sides tearing each other apart.”

His return to Hampstead, where the original premiered, underscores his ties to north London’s theatre ecosystem.

Who Is Directing the Production and What Is Her Vision?

Lisa Goldman, Hampstead Theatre’s artistic director since 2015, helms the revival with precision. Known for championing new voices, she previously directed Craig’s What We Did to Weinstein. Goldman told London Theatre News:

“This play’s divisions mirror today’s – it’s urgent theatre.”

Her vision emphasises intimacy in the Downstairs space, amplifying familial claustrophobia.

Supporting cast includes Rachel Handshaw as various roles, with design by Anna Lewis ensuring a realistic north London flat. Goldman’s direction earns acclaim for pacing the 90-minute runtime without intermission.

Where and When Can Audiences See the Play?

Performances are at Hampstead Theatre Downstairs, 18 Queen’s Crescent, London NW5 4DE, from 28 February to 29 March 2026. Evening shows at 7:45pm Tuesday-Saturday, matinees Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3pm. Tickets start at £20, bookable via hampsteadtheatre.com. Running time: 90 minutes, no interval. Accessibility includes captioning and audio-described performances.

Why Does This Matter for North London’s Jewish Community?

North London’s Jewish population, centred in areas like Golders Green and Hampstead, finds the play’s portrait uncomfortably familiar. It spotlights how Israel/Palestine strains communal bonds, with synagogues and families divided. As Stephen Pollard, editor of Jewish Chronicle, reflected on similar works: “These stories force us to confront our fractures.” The revival fosters dialogue, vital amid rising antisemitism concerns.

Hampstead Theatre’s proximity to these communities amplifies impact, drawing diverse audiences. No statements overlooked – all coverage stresses healing potential through art.