Tony Gardner reprises his role as Superintendent Curry in the first major London revival of Dario Fo and Franco Rame’s riotous Accidental Death of an Anarchist in 20 years, in a new adaptation by comedian, writer and actor Tom Basden.
The co-production with Sheffield Theatres, in association with Playful Productions, is directed by Daniel Raggett and reunites all the cast who performed in the original run at Sheffield Theatres last year.
Accidental Death of an Anarchist runs at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre from 13 March until 8 April 2023.
You’re returning to Accidental Death of an Anarchist at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, what can you tell us about the show?
It’s a political farce, written by Dario Fo and his wife Franca Rame in 1970. Based on a death in police custody that Italian audiences would have known very well at that time but, of course, UK audiences don’t know at all. So Tom Basden has translated and adapted this new version which is set in London. Rather brilliantly, I might add.
What was it about Tom Basden’s adaptation that made you initially want to be part of the production?
I loved Tom’s work as an actor and writer – I appeared in an episode of Plebs with him. I didn’t know the play, so reading his script was my introduction to it. It was VERY FUNNY, which is always a deal-breaker for me. I was also a huge fan of Daniel Rigby, playing The Maniac, so it was a double-whammy for me. (Please don’t tell either of them any of this).
How does it feel to now be transferring the production to Hammersmith?
Very exciting. We did it in Sheffield last year for only three weeks, and the audiences (and critics) loved it, so I think we all felt it would be a shame not to take it on somewhere else. It’s great that all six of the cast are back as well as most of the creatives. It’s Anarchist 2.0.
Tell us a little more about your character, what do you enjoy about the role?
I play Superintendent Curry, the most senior policeman in the station. He’s pompous, emotionally labile, and a bit stupid. A perfect combination for any comedy actor, I’d say.
What do you think will surprise audiences the most about the production?
Hopefully how funny it is and then – and this was Dario Fo’s intention – how it leaves them with a serious message to consider when the laughter stops.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Accidental Death of an Anarchist?
Do it. DO IT! And then get all your friends – and enemies – to do it too. No actor likes to be on stage and see an empty seat. We take it personally.
