Review: ACCIDENTAL DEATH OF AN ANARCHIST, Theatre Royal Haymarket
Photo credit: Helen Murray
The team behind the current production of Dario Fo’s celebrated Accidental Death of an Anarchist should feel immensely proud for presenting probably the most urgent play currently showing in London’s West End.
Tom Basden’s new adaptation of Fo’s acclaimed play about corruption and police brutality brings the action into the offices of the disgraced Metropolitan police and into the present day. Basden’s scathing and full-throttle script is crammed with zingers and rips through a litany of sharp jokes at breakneck speed.
There is something deliciously anarchic about the very staging of this biting and timely satire in a Royal Theatre. This production has partnered with Inquest – a charity providing support on state-related deaths and their investigation – and shines a light on the disgusting number of deaths at the hands of the policy in England.
Led by a brilliantly boisterous Daniel Rigby, the formidable cast is directed with flair and unrelenting pace by Daniel Raggett and associate George Jibson. Rigby, in particular, gives a masterclass in physical comedy, while Tony Gardner turns barked expletives into a fine art. There is relish and fun in this production, but never once does it stray into self-indulgence.
Designer Anna Reid has created an elegant playground for Fo’s rebellious satire, and gags are born from canny interaction with the set and some mischievous costuming.
The unravelling of police brutality and corruption punctuates the hilarity of Anarchist with beats of icy sobriety. In a particularly pertinent speech, Daniel Rigby name checks with rousing passion some notorious moments of shame for the police, including the tragic death of Sarah Everard.
Accidental Death of an Anarchist is an absolute riot – a belly-aching tour-de-force that wraps some sobering truths in masterful comedy. Pitch perfect.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Livvy Perrett
Accidental Death of an Anarchist plays at Theatre Royal Haymarket until 9 September, with tickets available here.