On paper, it would look like a foolhardy exercise. Why tamper with a film as iconic as Stanley Kubrick’s 1964 anti-war, satirical comedy masterpiece Dr. Strangelove? What could you hope to achieve by adapting it for the stage? And how do you top what Peter Sellars did in the film, taking on three very distinct roles - a British Air Force Captain seconded to a US missile base, the US President in his War Room, and the German scientist who was patently a Nazi, but had switched sides after the War. In 1998, the American Film Institute ranked the film as 26th among Best American films, and number three as the funniest American film. So, the burning question is ‘Why Bother?’

But that did not faze Armando Iannucci and Sean Foley from adapting the film for the stage. With Foley taking on the directing chores, Steve Coogan was brought in to play the roles Peter Sellers immortalized. To keep it different, Coogan takes on four roles in the stage play, adding the B-52 pilot. And so you can imagine how the entrances and exits now become part of the organized mayhem, adding to the magic of the stage comedy.

The play premiered in London’s West End on Oct. 8, 2024, and was extended until Jan. 25, 2025. So, to have an opportunity to watch this as a National Theater Live production so soon after its run is a rare treat. Thank you, CCP, for continuing to bring in this series of great dramas and comedies from the stage, filmed for the world to view. It may not have the immediacy of being seated in the Theatre, but it’s the next best thing.

Iannucci and Foley obviously revere this film, and that’s both good and bad for the stage adaptation. Good because the Cold War paranoia elements, the ridiculous behavior of those who exercise great military power, are as accurate today as they were during the Cold War of the late 1950s to mid-1960s. But bad because so much has also happened since then with actual warfare, including advances in Technology and AI. As a result, the reverence also makes this adaptation look dated, losing the immediacy of the real fear that existed after events like the Cuban Missile Crisis.

If anything, do watch this for Steve Coogan; his Dr. Strangelove is as good as that of Sellers. Of the other roles he assumes, I would say the British Air Force Capt. Mandrake is more effective than the US President or the crazed bomber pilot. There are strong supporting roles, and I would single out Giles Terera as General Buck Turgidson as my favorite scene stealer. John Hopkins as General Jack Tripper comes in a close second, as does Ben Turner as Colonel Bat Guano.

Coogan is hands down the star of this reverential adaptation. As his changing roles become more hurried, it’s becoming quite a feat for him to get the scents right and keep the four characters very distinct. Sellars achieved this admirably in the film, and to observe how Coogan does this on a live stage is something to marvel at. This film should be repeated on May 27 at Vertis North, so don’t miss the chance to watch this!