Our first production of the 2024-25 season closed on 19th October after a very successful run with more than 350 audience members coming to see us. Our thanks as always to all those who supported the production whether out in the audience, on the stage or in the background building sets and pulling everything else together that is required for a show. Particular thanks must go to our director, Dianne Newby, who was a constant presence and encouragement, not afraid to muck in when there was grafting to be done as well as offering all her artistic flair. We couldn't do it without you! And all those who saw the show must agree that we witnessed a magnificent performance from Will Andrews in a lead role that required huge stamina, great timing, and not a little work to remember all those lines! A real treat, as one audience member put it:

I so enjoyed the Adel play last Friday - I thought it was superb - a great play and a fab performance from Will Andrews - so quick in his retorts and responses - one of my stand-out performances over the years of coming to the Players.

As usual, there are some pictures below capturing the fun. Further audience reaction and reviews will follow soon.

Accidental  Death Of An Anarchist  by Dario Fo and Franca Rame was here presented in a bang-up-to-date version adapted by Tom Basden, which enjoyed a successful run in the West End.  When a self-confessed maniac is taken into police custody all hell breaks loose in this riotous, irreverent, fast paced satirical comedy. We hope these pictures capture the spirit of the piece.

Our thanks to Adrian Hide for taking the time to provide this review of our production, which will be published in the magazine "Adel Bells":

As recent arrivals to Adel, and relatively new to theatre, my wife and I decided to give the Adel Players a try. This opening night was a delightfully welcome surprise, especially given the dreary weather outside. With a good size midweek audience, ample parking at AWMH, reasonably priced drinks, and choc ices during the interval, this evening was a real treat—and so much better than a night in front of the TV!

Adel Players staged Tom Basden’s modern adaptation of Accidental Death of an Anarchist, originally written by Dario Fo and Franca Rame. This classic satire, inspired by the tragic real-life death of Giuseppe Pinelli in 1969, has been updated to a British setting, where a suspect’s suspicious death in police custody raises questions and darkly humorous accusations against the officers involved. Basden’s version keeps the biting humour of the original, laced with pointed references to issues within the Metropolitan Police.

The central figure, known as The Maniac (portrayed by William Andrews), is a clever and unpredictable con artist with a penchant for impersonation. After being taken in for questioning, and with a wide repertoire of characters, props and wigs, he finally transforms himself into a “judge” investigating the suspect’s death. 

While Inspector Burton (David Lancaster) quickly suspects him of madness, the other officers (played by Robert Colbeck, Gavin Jones and Gary Jarvis) are thoroughly taken in by his performance, allowing him to turn the tables.

With wild energy and quick wit, The Maniac leads the police in chaotic circles, forcing them into a web of lies that grows increasingly absurd. As the Maniac manipulates their every move, the officers spiral into farce, confessing, floundering, and even contemplating suicide, before a journalist (Hazel Walshaw) arrives, adding yet another layer to the unfolding fiasco. The balance of dark humour with the very real topic of police misconduct kept us laughing yet reflective, throughout.

Dianne and David Newby’s direction elicited fine performances from the whole cast, with Will Andrews truly stand-out. His stamina, sharp delivery, and impressive memorization of a demanding script made him mesmerizing to watch. Also, much credit goes to the back-stage crew for preparing and presenting such a high-quality set. Adel is fortunate to have this talented troupe, and if you haven’t seen them yet, I highly recommend!

Adrian Hide