Accidental Death of an Anarchist

Accidental Death of an Anarchist, originally penned by Italian playwrights Dario Fo and Franca Rame, has been brilliantly adapted by Tom Basden for a contemporary audience.

Under the direction of David Slade, this production bursts with energy, wit, and a well-paced build-up to a delightfully farcical climax. Slade’s attention to comedic timing and character dynamics was evident throughout.

Georgia Vary, in the role of The Maniac, delivered a truly outstanding performance. Her mastery of multiple accents, seamless on-stage costume changes, and relentless energy from start to finish were remarkable. Her diction was crystal clear, and the sheer volume of dialogue she commanded was impressive. Particularly memorable were her topical monologues in Act 2, which cleverly injected modern relevance into the absurdity, prompting the audience to reflect even while laughing. One of the finest performances I’ve seen this year — bravo!

Sharon Stocken as Inspector Burton made a strong impression in her opening scene with The Maniac. She captured the character’s frustration and exasperation with nuance and conviction, setting the tone for their dynamic.

Jordan Parker (Detective Daisy) appeared slightly nervous at times, but when he settled into the role, his performance shone — especially during his recounting of the evening’s events to The Maniac. Neil Wallace (Superintendent Surry) brought excellent comic timing and expressive facial reactions that added depth to the farce.

Emma-Louise Walton, as Constable Joseph, had fewer lines but played a crucial and challenging role. Her sustained presence on stage required consistent character focus and concentration, which she maintained admirably.

Shelley Hugill, portraying reporter Fi Phelan, made the most of her stage time with a confident and engaging presence.

The set design was inventive and effective. The use of a simple paper flip to indicate a change in floors was clever, and the window — central to the plot — was well-integrated, though its low height may have slightly undermined the intended physical comedy.

Finally, a warm thank you to The Lytton Players for their continued hospitality and dedication to community theatre. This production was a testament to their talent and passion.

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