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Mario Pirovano brings to London for one night only his Edinburgh Festival acclaimed one-man performance of Nobel Prize-winner Dario Fo’s work on the life of Francis of Assisi.

Wednesday 8th September

7.30pm

St James’s Church, Piccadilly,

London, W1J 9LL

With the support of the Italian Cultural Institute.

“This production is the most entertaining and funny history lesson you could hope to see, given a captivating performance bythe charismatic Pirovano.” British Theatre Guide

Francis, The Holy Jester provides an intimate, insightful and often hilarious portrait of Saint Francis of Assisi, and gives a delightful slice of life in medieval Italy, full of relevance for our lives today. A tale that brings together courtiers, Popes, Cardinals, generals and peasants, saints and sinners, and Jesus himself in a great pageant of characters brought to life through a remarkable performance that sparks the imagination and delights the soul. Mario Pirovano performed the play at the 2009 Edinburgh Festival to great critical acclaim, and he has now returned from his home in Perugia for a tour of the UK. The St James’s Church performance will be the only London night of the tour, and the stunning interior and acoustics of this very special building will assure an unforgettable night of theatre.

“Veteran Dario Fo associate Mario Pirovano delivers Fo’s characteristically folksy monologues about Francis of Assisi with a verve and informality that closely resemble Fo’s own performance style.” The Stage

“Pirovano’s performance, and his ability are astounding. I recommend it wholeheartedly and completely.” Edinburgh Review

“Imagine a cross between Bertolt Brecht and Lenny Bruce, and you may begin to have an idea of the scope of Fo’s anarchic wit.” New York Times

Here's Mario rehearsing the performance at the Italian Cultural Institute: