Accidental Death of an Anarchist
★★★☆☆ Relevant
Bedlam Theatre: Wed 5 – Sat 8 Nov 2025
Review by Erin Frances Speirs
Edinburgh University Theatre Company’s production of Accidental Death of an Anarchist, is a farcical comedy exploring how police violence and abuse is just as prevalent in the UK today as it was in 1970s Italy, when the original play was written.
Dario Fo and Franca Rame’s script, translated and adapted by Tom Badsen, is sharp, meta, comedic play which finds The Maniac (Adam Morgan) – an unstable man with a skill for impressions – in the Metropolitan police headquarters being interrogated for fraud.
Adam Morgan. Pic EUTC.
The Maniac claims to have been a Russian interpreter, without knowing a word of Russian, stating that translations are about getting across the general meaning more than being correct word-for-word. This is the first suggestion that The Maniac knows he is in the play we are about to witness, which only becomes clearer as the production progresses.
The Maniac begins to impersonate an enquirer, convincing police officers to explain the night when a supposed Anarchist “fell” to his death from a fourth floor police office window. Throughout, the systemic sexism, racism and abuse within the UK police force is unveiled through snappy dialogue, witty comments, and farcical action.
punchy and topica
Tom Badsen’s script is punchy and topical, filled with hilarious moments and pop-culture references. These references, although perhaps making the play more accessible, strip power from the story itself and will age this new adaptation quickly, which seems a surprising choice when translating a still relevant fifty year old play.
Directed by Jow Cleave, there is a lack of urgency and precision to the production. As the meta and surreal nature of the play unravels; the cast struggle to balance comedy with sincerity. Moments feeling awkward and unrehearsed, detracting from the core messaging.
Adam Morgan and Fraser Murray. Pic: EUTC.
The level of clowning needed within this large cast is more than they are able to provide. Although there are a few impressive slaps and drink tosses throughout, choreographed by Rebecca Mahar, proving that not every moment of physical comedy is lost.
Leo Odgers portrays the fifty-something Superintendent with a superb mix of over-confidence and awkwardness that drives forward the character’s incompetence. Phelan, a journalist who could be considered the straight man within this farce, represents how even those considered progressive are blinded by class issues within the UK and is played with grace by Jamila Salim.
impacts immersion and enjoyment
Adam Morgan carries the production as The Maniac with over-dramatic flair. Therefore, when struggling with lines in the first act – reading from a script for the majority of the time – it greatly impacts immersion and enjoyment.
Sam Morton plays a sweet, yet stupid officer of lower seniority with attention. Fraser Murray and Indy Woodall as officers Burton and Daisy both struggle with expressing more than a singular feeling, however they do both have individual moments of strength within their performances.
Sam Morton, Leo Odgers and India Woodall. Pic EUTC
Set design from a large team consisting of Ava Ausman, Rafaela Scopeliti, Maria Akomian Asuo, Madeleine McQuilling, Alex Kerr, and Charles Leung–is impressive, with The Maniac writing on the walls and even smacking his head through a flat, highlighting the meta nature of this play in an almost Brechtian manner.
Cal Hind and Erin Keiller’s lighting design also attempts to portray this theatrical world, however they often draw away from the action. This could be a purposeful choice if Brechtian techniques were discussed with this production, however the overall direction of the play does not suggest this.
important themes
Accidental Death of an Anarchist discusses important themes surrounding systemic issues that are not unique to the Metropolitan Police, but exist in police forces across the UK. The play concludes with no call to action, disappointing after a piece conveying a clear message, even if it sometimes hits the nail on the head a bit too strongly.
EUTC’s latest production could use more directorial clarity, but is still an entertaining watch.
Running time: Two hours and 15 minutes (including an interval)
Bedlam Theatre, 11 Bristo Pl, Edinburgh EH1 1EZ
Wed 5 – Sat 8 November 2025
Evenings: 7.30pm
Tickets and details: Book Here
Production Instagram: @deadanarchist.play
Bedlam Instagram: @eutcbedlamtheatre
Facebook: @bedlamtheatre.ed
Adam Morgan and Jamila Salim. Pic: EUTC.
ENDS
