2024 July Accidental Death of an Anarchist

Accidental Death of an Anarchist
by Dario Fo

Director Karen Thompson

This play premiered in 1970 and has been performed across the world in more than forty countries. It is based on the aftermath of a bombing in 1969 and the death of a suspect while being interrogated by police.  The play uses comedy as a subversive tactic to highlight the flaws in the official account of the incident.

The action takes place on the upper floor of a police station where previously an anarchist has died after falling from an upper window.  In an attempt to avoid a scandal, an investigation is planned to establish whether he was pushed, jumped or fell by accident.  Into the police station is brought a fraudster known as The Maniac.  When left alone in the inspector’s office he intercepts a telephone call, finds out about the investigation, and decides to have some fun. He adopts several disguises and personas and leads the officers into more and more ridiculous reconstructions of how the incident occurred, exposing cover-ups and corruption.

Although the subject matter would not be initially thought of as a suitable for comedy, the antics of The Maniac and his quick wit and daring in this political farce result in hilarious scenes as he creates mayhem to undermine the investigation.

Date: Wednesday 3rd – Saturday 6th July 2024
Start Time: 7:30 pm

Doors open:  30 minutes before performance times.

Tickets: £14
Tickets can be bought online or in person at the theatre each night of the show.

Cast of Accidental Death of an Anarchist

Production Photographs

Photos of the Cast in rehearsal by Chris Lewis Photography