Accidental Death of an Anarchist
'We know all too well that we're up to our necks in the shit, and it is for this very reason that we walk with our heads held high!'
An irrepressible fraudster known only as the Maniac is brought into Police Headquarters just as the officers are preparing for a judicial review of the recent 'accidental' death of a suspect in custody.
Outwitting his captors, the Maniac dupes them into performing a farcical recreation of the incident, exposing the absurd corruption and terrifying idiocy at the heart of the system.
Dario Fo and Franca Rame's riotous satire has been widely performed around the world since its premiere in 1970. Tom Basden's acclaimed adaptation was first performed at Sheffield Theatres in 2022, directed by Daniel Raggett, and starring Daniel Rigby as the Maniac.
The production transferred to the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre in 2023, before moving to the Theatre Royal Haymarket in London's West End.
Tom Basden's other plays include The Crocodile (Manchester International Festival), Holes (Arcola Tent and Edinburgh Festival Fringe), There is a War (National Theatre) and Joseph K, an adaptation of Kafka’s The Trial (Gate Theatre). He has written for some of Britain’s most popular comedy television shows including Peep Show, Fresh Meat, The Wrong Mans, Plebs and Here We Go.