Dario Fo’s acclaimed 70s comedy relives through this modernized adaptation starring BAFTA-winning actor and comedian Daniel Rigby. Guillermo Nazara shares his vision on this new production running at the Lyric Hammersmith only until next month, to let us know if the show deserves to be the laughing stock in town.
You’ve got to be f*cking kidding me! You’ve probably heard that phrase around more than you like – mainly because you’d wish it was only the first half that remained… Well, dreams can also give purpose to life, PERV. Sorry, sorry – I didn’t intend to be mean… (hard to type that with a straight face, especially in my case). Whatever. The thing is that no matter how preposterous, bizarre and ridiculously stupid comedy may get, reality always manages to rise to the top of the poll – no need to thank me for this (you were going to, weren’t you, b*tches?). But exceptions are what make life exciting (it was high time you learned it), and here comes a piece of fiction that may fit into that box – basically because it redefines the term “absurd”.
Accidental Death of an Anarchist is not, by any means, an original work – it’s been around since the 70s and enjoyed (or suffered) a few adaptations during its lifespan. This season, the Lyric Hammersmith is hosting a revised version of Dario Fo’s 1969 bombing inspired play – this time substituting the ciaos and chef’s kisses for battered sausages and mushy peas (it’s a figure of speech so don’t start drooling, though probably you already did in the previous paragraph…). Set in a London police station, the show deals with a mysterious flamboyant gentleman whom, amidst interrogation, manages to impersonate an investigator (and later, other characters) just for the sake of acting. Such a display of talent and alleged insanity (one can’t go without the other, right?) will surprisingly fool (can’t believe I’ve used that adverb) the officers, leading to a shocking eye-opening finale which also reflects about an actual concerning situation.
Long story short (unlike this review, so don’t get your hopes up), the whole performance is an exhibit of irrational rubbish. And it’s brilliant. Taking off from a strong unexpectedly hilarious start, the roars and cheers are guaranteed in this fast-moving spoof packed with priceless punchlines, gut-busting action and a delightful array of cultural references. Adapted by Tom Basden and directed by Daniel Raggett, the production continuously proves one thing and one thing only: their incredible understanding (and knack) for the theatre. From its self-jokey blocking to its brilliant and subtly critical undertone, the piece (presented in this particular form) is an invitation to both fun and thought, confirming that there’s no need to behave (and talk) like a pompous hag to be deep and intellectual.
The excellence of its writing is refreshingly matched (even surpassed) by the electrifying renditions of its cast. Fairly enough, Daniel Rigby gives a deliriously remarkable portrayal in the lead role of The Maniac, doing more than justice to a part that might as well seem as created to boast his comedic genius. At the same time, Tony Gardner as Superintendent Curry and Jordan Metcalfe as Detective Daisy are the next gem of the evening – their chemistry onstage, channeled through sly and carefully coordinated awkwardness, constituting a sound humorous duo worthy of their own spotlight.
With an detailed and practical set design by Anna Reid, all the checkpoints related to this production are satisfyingly ticked to conclude what should always be expected but unfortunately only hoped for on most occasions: for a new version of a previous work to do precisely that – to bring something new; and desirably, something good. This one does both in spades. Either if you’re looking for just a good laugh or something more substantial but manufactured in a more digestible form, this is definitely a show not to pass or miss on. He who laughs, last. He who makes laugh, is immortal.
All pictures credit to Helen Murray.
Accidental Death of an Anarchist plays at London’s Lyric Hammersmith from Monday to Saturday until 8 April. Tickets are available on the following link.