Dario Fo’s Mistero Buffo, a seminal work of political theatre, finds new life in a vibrant Scots adaptation by Joseph Farrell. Directed with verve and precision by Ben Standish, this Òran Mór production is a tour de force of satirical storytelling that underlines the enduring relevance of Fo’s subversive masterpiece.
Lawrence Boothman delivers a phenomenal solo performance, commanding attention from the moment he bursts onto the stage pursued by imaginary authorities. This opening immediately signals a departure from Fo’s original, which is best known for its long prologue and improvisatory social commentary, closer to stand-up comedy. Farrell’s version instead privileges theatricality and narrative drive. After a brief nod to Hamlet, Boothman dives straight into “The Birth of the Jongleur,” embodying the medieval storyteller who uses humour and satire to speak truth to power. With only a bare set and minimal props, Boothman conjures a multitude of characters — from the resourceful Jongleur to a pompous lord, and even an irreverent Jesus Christ. His quicksilver shifts of voice, gesture, and presence animate each role and keep the audience gripped. Unlike Fo’s digressive original, which sometimes let historical asides overshadow the stories, this adaptation stays tightly focused. The result is sharper, more impactful theatre that lets the narratives themselves carry the themes of class struggle, religious hypocrisy, and abuse of power.
That does not mean the wit is lost. Boothman sprinkles the performance with sly asides and direct addresses to the audience, always rooted in the moment and never disruptive. The use of Scots is another triumph: far from being a gimmick, the dialect adds earthy irreverence and immediacy. Boothman handles its cadences with mastery, slipping easily between the peasant’s wry humour and the lord’s booming rhetoric. Thomas Clark’s work as Scots Language Consultant is evident in every well-judged turn of phrase.
In sum, this revival of Mistero Buffo is a triumphant testament to the vitality of Fo’s vision and the possibilities of adaptation. It may set aside some of the freewheeling improvisation of the original, but it replaces it with dynamic theatricality, muscular storytelling, and exhilarating physicality. Farrell, Standish, and Boothman have not only honoured a theatrical giant but also renewed his legacy for today. This is political theatre at its most vital and engaging — a must-see for anyone who believes in the subversive power of laughter.
Comedy
Mistero Buffo
By Dario Fo and Franca Rame
Adapted by Joseph Farrell
Director: Ben Standish
Cast: Lawrence Boothman
Until: Saturday 10th May 2025
Running Time: One hour and 10 minutes (no interval)
Photo Credit: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan