Info

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• Mon 18 May to Sat 23 May
• 150 minutes

Synopsis

by Dario Fo and Franca Rame, adapted by Tom Basden 

Directed by Ian Taylor

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with NICK HERN BOOKS.

"Are you seriously suggesting that we stick every suspect out of the window and shake 'em about like a dirty doormat?"

An irrepressible fraudster known only as the Maniac is brought into Police Headquarters just as the officers are preparing for a judicial review of the recent ‘accidental’ death of a suspect in custody. Outwitting his captors, the Maniac dupes them into performing a farcical recreation of the incident, exposing the absurd corruption and terrifying idiocy at the heart of the system.

This classic farce by Dario Fo and Franca Rame has been given an up to the minute reincarnation from award-winning writer Tom Basden. Eviscerating everyone from the Metropolitan Police to the metropolitan elite, this is a show that will leave audiences breathless!

Press quotes from the original 2022/23 production:

‘Wickedly funny… nothing less than brilliant… the audience is constantly in stitches… much cheaper than a therapy session and vastly more entertaining’ Time Out

‘Pretty special… Basden’s script is packed with contemporary references, but among the comic zingers are weightier concerns about undercover police work and corruption…. It’s brilliantly executed… unforgettable’ The Stage

‘Uproarious… a bomb-blast comedy… an institutionally funny play’ Evening Standard

The production contains strong language and a loud explosion.

Age recommendation 12+

Monday 18th – Saturday 23rd May 2026 7.30pm

Tickets £10.00

Students £6.00

Greenroom £5.00

Wildman Studio