How far would a mother go to protect her child, even if it meant betraying her principles and doing something she knew was morally wrong? And what if that mother was a judge, sworn to uphold justice above all else? These are the provocative questions at the heart of Inter Alia, a gripping new play by Suzie Miller, now playing at the National Theatre’s Lyttelton stage. In this tense exploration of modern ethics and identity, Rosamund Pike makes her National Theatre debut as High Court Judge Jessica Parks, a woman torn between the duties of her job, the demands of motherhood and the shifting dynamics of modern masculinity.
It’s difficult to describe the plot of Inter Alia (Latin for “among other things”) without revealing a major spoiler, though the dramatic shift at the heart of the story is, perhaps, a little too obviously signposted in the first half of the play. The story is told from Jessica’s perspective and is mostly narrated by Rosamund Pike, meaning we’re often told what happens rather than seeing it unfold.
The action begins in her courtroom, where she mainly presides over cases of sexual violence against women. Here, Jessica sees herself not just as the most important person in the room, but as something of a “rock star judge.” She commands her court with theatrical flair, microphone stand in hand, while her husband and son play drums and electric guitar at the back of the stage. She takes no nonsense from barristers, firmly positioning herself as the victim’s protector.
At home, Jessica’s authority diminishes. She gives in to the routines and demands of her barrister husband, Michael (Jamie Glover), and their 18-year-old son, Jamie (Jasper Talbot). Domestic life sees her ironing shirts, preparing meals, running errands and shouldering most of the parenting, despite her demanding career. However, when an accusation is made against Jamie at a party, Jessica is forced to confront the fallout, torn between her responsibilities as someone whose role is to uphold the law and her instinct to protect her child.
Rosamund Pike delivers a remarkable, emotionally charged performance, commanding the stage for the entirety of the 105 minute production. It’s a physically and emotionally demanding role, requiring her to move seamlessly between the commanding authority of a courtroom judge and the vulnerability of a mother navigating the chaos of domestic life. Pike’s portrayal of Jessica is richly layered, torn between feminist ideals and maternal instinct. As her husband and son, Jamie Glover and Jasper Talbot bring both warmth and emotional friction, grounding Jessica’s home life and heightening the stakes of her internal struggle. Together, they support, without overshadowing, Pike’s powerful, tour-de-force performance.
Director Justin Martin keeps the pace tight and focused, skilfully managing the play’s transitions between the public formality of the courtroom and the emotional turbulence of Jessica’s private life. His staging heightens the sense of Jessica’s isolation by framing her as a figure caught between duty and devotion, law and love. The tension builds naturally and the production holds the audience in its grip from beginning to end.
Playwright Suzie Miller demonstrates her ability to tackle weighty social themes and provide commentary on important contemporary issues such as work-life balance, the pressures placed on working mothers, the vulnerabilities of teenage boys and the ways in which the criminal justice system can be manipulated. She weaves these ideas together with impressive skill, though at times the messaging teeters on the edge of being overly moralising.
Inter Alia succeeds as both a gripping family drama and a thoughtful examination of contemporary justice. Rosamund Pike‘s magnetic performance alone makes this production essential viewing, while Suzie Miller‘s writing ensures that audiences will be discussing the play’s moral complexities long after leaving the theatre.
NEED TO KNOW:
Inter Alia plays at the National Theatre until 13 Sep 2025
On September 4, a performance of Inter Alia will be captured live and broadcast to cinemas across the UK and Ireland. There will be additional screenings in cinemas in the UK/Ireland from 18 September and internationally from 25 September.
