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.

When laughter is the only response you have left to vent your anger and frustration at a corrupt system. With an updated new production running in London’s West End only last year, it’s clear and also concerning that this play has an enduring relevance.

Here is a fantastic 1983 television adaptation with Gavin Richards (the adapter of the text for this edition) in the role of ‘the maniac’.

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