Story perspectives

American Psycho Revival Critiques Capitalism and Toxic Masculinity

2/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Rupert Goold's revival of American Psycho at the Almeida Theatre centers on Patrick Bateman, played by Arty Froushan, to critique capitalism and toxic masculinity.
The musical, based on Bret Easton Ellis's novel, blends horror with a synth-heavy score by Duncan Sheik and choreography.
Froushan's performance captures Bateman's psychotic charm and vulnerability.
The show runs until March 14 and feels alarmingly relevant.

History

Historical Context

Bret Easton Ellis's "American Psycho," published in 1991, critiques 1980s capitalism through the character Patrick Bateman, a wealthy investment banker who leads a double life as a serial killer. The novel reflects societal anxieties about wealth and masculinity amid Wall Street excess. Its themes resonate today, as seen in Rupert Goold's 2013 Almeida Theatre revival, which continues to provoke discussions on toxic masculinity and capitalism's mental health impacts.

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Story summary

Rupert Goold's revival of American Psycho at the Almeida Theatre centers on Patrick Bateman, played by Arty Froushan, to critique capitalism and toxic masculinity.
The musical, based on Bret Easton Ellis's novel, blends horror with a synth-heavy score by Duncan Sheik and choreography.
Froushan's performance captures Bateman's psychotic charm and vulnerability.
The show runs until March 14 and feels alarmingly relevant.

1 / 2