The celebrated adaptation of Dario Fo’s “Mistero Buffo,” created by Rhum + Clay, is set to launch the new season at the Pleasance Theatre in London, running from Tuesday, September 23 to Saturday, October 11, 2025. This award-winning production, renowned for its dynamic storytelling and incisive social critique, remains incredibly relevant.
In this contemporary retelling, Julian Spooner, co-creator and sole performer, embodies over a hundred characters. He portrays a modern-day Deliveroo driver who, amidst his shifts, delves into ancient tales that cleverly satirize traditional power dynamics. With contributions from Spooner and director Nicholas Pitt, this adaptation transforms Fo’s politically charged work into a powerful statement for the oppressed, striking a chord with today’s pressing social issues.
Originally launched in 2018, this rendition of “Mistero Buffo” earned multiple accolades, including The Stage Award for Acting awarded to Julian Spooner during its Edinburgh Fringe run. Since then, the production has toured the UK, France, and Australia, continually evolving with the political landscape.
Spooner and Pitt expressed their enthusiasm for the revival, emphasizing the current global unrest. “With a potential second Trump presidency, the ongoing crises in Gaza and Ukraine, and the threats to democracy posed by tech oligarchs, now seems like the perfect time to bring back a show brimming with fiery anger and satirical humor aimed at those in power,” they remarked.
The performance is a remarkable showcase of solo artistry, with Spooner using his physicality to create vivid scenes and characters, inviting the audience to engage their imaginations. This “empty space production” aspires to offer “active hope, laughter, and perhaps a little motivation to fight back.”
Press Night for ‘Mistero Buffo’ is set for Friday, September 26, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The show has an approximate runtime of 75 minutes and is suitable for ages 12 and up.
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