Mistero Buffo

Rhum + Clay present Dario Fo’s devilishly funny masterpiece, Mistero Buffo, a darkly comic look at the absurdities and inequalities of everyday life, as seen through the eyes and tales of a travelling storyteller.

Banned as blasphemous for many years, but ever more relevant now, Mistero Buffo takes an unflinching and hilarious aim at those who manipulate truth, faith and belief for power and control. With culture wars driving division and vast economic inequalities only widening, can laughter (and a little righteous anger) help unite us?

A tour-de-force turn that won Julian Spooner the Stage’s Award for Best Performance & directed by Nicholas Pitt, their adaptation of this modern classic is an extraordinary, virtuosic romp through a hundred characters and locations in the company of one man. Our 21st century travelling storyteller, yet another employee of the gig economy, rushes from his last job of the day to deliver a subversive, gleeful rallying cry for the disillusioned and disenfranchised…

One of Guardian’s Best Shows at the Edinburgh Festival 2018

'Spooner tackles a huge cast of characters... with astonishing sharpness and clarity’★★★★ Guardian

'Magnificent production... with an astounding performance’★★★★★ Stage

'A shapeshifting, body-popping, mesmerising performance’ ★★★★★ WhatsOnStage

★★★★★BritishTheatreGuide
★★★★★ BroadwayBaby
★★★★★ Edinburgh Guide
★★★★ List

Cast & Creatives
Mistero Buffo
By Dario Fo and Franca Rame
Translated by Ed Emery
Additional material by Nicholas Pitt & Julian Spooner

Performed by Julian Spooner
Directed by Nicholas Pitt
Lighting Design by Geoff Hense
Music and Sound Design by Jon Ouin
Costume design by Emily Bates
Stage Manager Lauren Wedgeworth
Production photography by Luke Forsythe

Originally commissioned by New Diorama Theatre & supported by Arts Council England

A Rhum + Clay Production