THEATRE Accidental Death of an Anarchist/ The Playhouse

Nov 5 2008 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

BITING social commentary wrapped up in some of the most wonderfully ludicrous comic turns, this new production marked a welcome return to the Liverpool stage for Northern Broadsides.

Known for their contemporary and comical takes on the classics, this time the Dario Fo satire got the full treatment, and proved to be a startlingly appropriate choice once things got under way.

The original may be nearly 40 years old, but the references to civil liberties issues in the UK today showed it to be as relevant as ever.

A fantastic ensemble piece with an enviable and constant laugh count, its main problem was its sheer depth.

No unwinding after a hard day at the office for the audience here, as strict attention had to be paid every step of the way.

Carrying the show (and often carrying it away) was Michael Hugo as the Maniac, a fantasist with a flamboyant taste for impersonation that leads all other characters astray.

His energy as he plays a merry dance with the others on stage was reminiscent of a human Daffy Duck, with a comic timing and physicality that bought to mind cartoonish lunacy of unending possibility.

Anthony Hunt, as his befuddled nemesis Detective Inspector Bertozzo proved a wonderful foil, and Neil Caple,Craig Rogan and Matt Connor as the bent coppers trying to avoid scandal were constantly hilarious without hogging the limelight.

A preachy ending with a political soliloquy interrupted the flow for a moment in the closing scene.

But that is forgiven by way of the production being so incredibly funny.

The diversity of the comedy throughout was of the highest quality, from satire, parody and song to slapstick, wordplay and innuendo, there was literally nothing that couldn’t be played for a laugh.

Accidental Death of an Anarchist may be up against it in the entertainment stakes this week with King Lear, MTV et al grabbing the headlines, but it more than holds its own.

VICKY ANDERSON