Mark Ravenhill tackles Commedia dell’Arte

Wilton's Music Hall, London E1
Friday 9th May & Saturday 10th May 2025
Tickets: £8/£12/£40

Renowned playwright Mark Ravenhill (RSC, National Theatre, Royal Court) is gearing up for a 48-hour commedia dell’arte epic showcase of his new plays. I have had the privilege of working with him over this past month, playing with some of the ten new scripts he has penned from scenarios first captured on paper by Flaminio Scala in 1611. Originally recorded in outline format, Scala's scenarios have provided a rich foundation for Mark's fresh, new interpretations that vividly reignite the riotous, bawdy, slapstick nature of commedia, in all its saucy glory!

Rehearsed readings of all ten plays will take place at the wonderfully charismatic Wilton's Music Hall, in London E1. Beginning at 12 noon on Friday 9th May, five ninety minute plays will follow back to back, with short intervals, followed by five more plays on Saturday 10th.

We have had so much fun exploring these scripts - they are pure joy to play with - and I can't wait to read as Pantalone in Run At It With A Plan on Friday 9th May at 8pm. This one is based on Scala’s Day 31 scenario: The Pedant (which was also the basis for Molière’s Tartuffe).

Whether you dip into a single show (£12) or embrace the full two-day experience (£40), don’t miss this chance to witness these theatrical debuts and experience the full atmosphere of Wilton’s, the world’s oldest Grand Music Hall.