Accidental Death of an Anarchist (Oldham)

The Coliseum’s spring/summer season kicks off with this high octane play by Dario Fo in which the audience are sucked into the farcical story of how a an anarchist came to fall from a fourth floor window of a police station. To synchronise their statements, those present on that fateful day work through a number of scenarios which could have occurred which would explain how the man came to be deceased.

In another beautifully designed set (Foxtons); the cast work tirelessly in what is a physical piece that requires high energy levels to be maintained throughout. Jack Lord as the maniac mugs about continually and transforms himself in to a number of characters and delivers some cracking lines.

Leigh Symonds, John Elkington, Matt Corner and Andonis Anthony all take on Police Officers of various ranks; all with various injections of hilarity and strong comedic timing. The opening of Act Two is a show stealer and really lifts what is an at times a drawn Act One and takes the play to an overall more entertaining level.

Although a little wordy at times and a lot of ground work needing to be done to fully set the scene, the play does develop in to a delightful comedy that features plenty of farce, slapstick and physical comedy.

The plot is not challenging but is amusing. It does feel a little hackneyed in places, but overall this is an humorous evening’s fun that sets the tone for looks to be an exciting season ahead at the Coliseum.

Accidental Death of an Anarchist is at the Oldham Coliseum until 22 March.

– Ruth Lovett