Holy Fool at Park Theatre is a tense, darkly witty new drama inspired by Soviet composer Dmitri Shostakovich and his struggle to protect his artistic voice under Stalin’s regime.
Latest Update
Checked 1 September 2026: previews began on 27 August, with the main public run listed from 31 August to 10 October. The official page now confirms the running time, ticket range, content warnings and access performances below.
What Is Holy Fool About?
At the height of Stalin’s regime, Shostakovich faces an impossible tightrope: one wrong note could ruin him, while one carefully judged crescendo might save his life. Outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant, he creates music that conceals as much as it reveals.
Written by Rosalind Adler and Lea Sellers and directed by Kate Fahy, the play explores censorship, propaganda, compromise, resistance and the power of art under tyranny.
Cast
- Benjamin O’Mahony as Dmitri “Mitya” Shostakovich
- Jenna Augen as Nina
- Phoebe Pryce as Katya
- Fergus O’Donnell as Izaak
Creative Team
- Writers: Rosalind Adler and Lea Sellers
- Director: Kate Fahy
- Set and costume designer: William Fricker
- Lighting designer: Oliver Fenwick
- Sound designer: Julian Starr
Shostakovich in Seven Parts
Alongside the play, the Carducci Quartet performs Shostakovich in Seven Parts, a 45-minute journey through seven moments from the composer’s fifteen string quartets.
- Concert dates: Saturday 12 September and Friday 25 September at 6pm
- Venue: Park200
- Concert tickets: £15
- Multi-buy: book the play and concert together using code SYMPHONY20 for 20% off the order
Dates, Tickets and Content Guidance
- Previews: from 27 August 2026
- Main run: 31 August–10 October 2026
- Running time: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, including an interval
- Tickets: £22.50–£55, subject to availability
- Age guidance: 12+
- Content warnings: strong language, loud or sudden sounds and references to war and torture
Check current Holy Fool tickets and availability with Park Theatre.
Accessible Performances
- Relaxed: Monday 7 September, 7.30pm
- Audio described: Saturday 12 September, 3pm
- BSL interpreted: Friday 18 September, 7.30pm, interpreted by Lixi Chivas
Clarissa’s Review
This is an upcoming-show guide rather than a personal review. The featured image uses the supplied official artwork. If I see the production, the full review will be linked here without duplicating it.
Where Is Park Theatre?
Park Theatre is at Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London N4 3JP, around a two-minute walk from Finsbury Park station. The station is served by the Victoria and Piccadilly lines, Thameslink and other National Rail services. Parking is very limited, and the venue recommends public transport.
More Theatre on Clarissa’s Corner
For another Park Theatre connection, read my Dracapella review. You can also explore more current London theatre throughout Clarissa’s Corner.
FAQ
When is Holy Fool at Park Theatre?
Previews began on 27 August, with the main run listed from 31 August to 10 October 2026.
How long is Holy Fool?
Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, including an interval.
Are there accessible performances?
Yes. Relaxed, audio-described and BSL-interpreted performances are scheduled in September.
