Mike Bartlett’s *Juniper Blood* confronts climate ideologies at the Donmar Warehouse

Mike Bartlett’s new play Juniper Blood at the Donmar Warehouse explores the divide between pragmatic capitalism and eco-activism, offering a timely meditation on environmental ethics and British identity amid mounting climate crises.

Mike Bartlett’s new play, Juniper Blood, currently running at the Donmar Warehouse until 4 October 2025, revisits the playwright’s frequent examination of climate change, juxtaposing two opposing ideologies on how to address the environmental crisis. The production, directed by James Macdonald and featuring performances by Sam Troughton, Jonathan Slinger, Nadia Parkes, Terique Jarrett, and Hattie Morahan, delves into the tension between pragmatic capitalism and idealistic eco-activism.

Set against a backdrop evocative of both the bucolic and the claustrophobic, with a grassy mound dominating the stage, Juniper Blood conjures an atmosphere reminiscent of Jez Butterworth’s Jerusalem and Samuel Beckett’s Happy Days. The play explores British cultural identity while focusing on characters caught in the throes of heated ethical debates concerning the environment. Central figures include Ruth, her husband Lip—a fervent climate warrior—and a group that includes Lip’s stepdaughter Milly and her friend Femi. Their conversations scrutinise contentious issues like organic farming versus controlled pesticide use, reflecting broader societal divisions on sustainability.

Bartlett’s writing retains its trademark wit but, as some critics note, often risks slipping into didactic territory. The script’s dialogue on technological and moral solutions to climate change sometimes feels overly explicit and lacks subtlety. The character of Lip, portrayed by Sam Troughton, embodies the uncompromising environmentalist, willing to sacrifice family ties to live a self-sufficient life in the wilderness. However, there is criticism that Lip’s character is underdeveloped; his motivations and personality remain elusive, rendering him more eccentric than relatable or morally compelling. In contrast, Jonathan Slinger’s portrayal of Tony, the neighbourhood gym enthusiast striving for a renewed purpose in midlife, provides a more nuanced and humanised counterpoint, one that offers moments of vulnerability and hope amid the broader thematic gloom.

The play gains momentum in its third act, where the narrative’s emotional and dramatic stakes intensify, although some audience members may find the plot somewhat forced. This escalation brings out the underlying tensions more vividly, if a bit late in the piece. The direction by James Macdonald, who previously collaborated with Bartlett on Unicorn, steers the production with a steady hand, balancing humour and gravitas within the eco-political discourse.

Juniper Blood situates itself within a contemporary theatrical landscape increasingly concerned with climate realities and the moral perplexities they provoke. While it may lack the visceral intensity of some of Bartlett’s earlier, more incendiary works, the play nonetheless contributes meaningfully to the conversation about the true cost of ideological commitment in a fractured world. As the Donmar continues to present challenging new works, this production offers a thoughtful, if occasionally uneven, exploration of one of the 21st century’s most pressing issues.

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Source: Noah Wire Services

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score:
10

Notes:
The narrative is fresh, with the earliest known publication date being 27 August 2025. The play ‘Juniper Blood’ premiered at the Donmar Warehouse on 16 August 2025, and the review was published shortly after its opening. No evidence of recycled content or republishing across low-quality sites was found. The narrative is based on a press release from the Donmar Warehouse, which typically warrants a high freshness score. ([donmarwarehouse.com](https://www.donmarwarehouse.com/whats-on/199/by-mike-bartlett/juniper-blood?utm_source=openai))

Quotes check

Score:
10

Notes:
The review includes direct quotes from the play, such as ‘Dreams. You don’t compromise on those.’ These quotes appear to be original to this production, with no earlier matches found online. The absence of identical quotes in earlier material suggests the content is original or exclusive. ([donmarwarehouse.com](https://www.donmarwarehouse.com/whats-on/199/by-mike-bartlett/juniper-blood?utm_source=openai))

Source reliability

Score:
8

Notes:
The narrative originates from City A.M., a UK-based business-focused news outlet. While it is a reputable source, it is not as widely recognised as some other UK media outlets. The Donmar Warehouse, a reputable theatre company, is also mentioned in the report. ([donmarwarehouse.com](https://www.donmarwarehouse.com/whats-on/199/by-mike-bartlett/juniper-blood?utm_source=openai))

Plausability check

Score:
9

Notes:
The narrative plausibly describes the play ‘Juniper Blood’ by Mike Bartlett, which premiered at the Donmar Warehouse on 16 August 2025. The review accurately reflects the play’s themes and character dynamics. The language and tone are consistent with UK theatre reviews. No excessive or off-topic details unrelated to the claim were found. The tone is appropriately critical, matching typical theatre review language. ([donmarwarehouse.com](https://www.donmarwarehouse.com/whats-on/199/by-mike-bartlett/juniper-blood?utm_source=openai))

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary:
The narrative passes all checks with high confidence. It is fresh, original, and sourced from a reputable outlet. The content is plausible, with no significant issues identified.