The Italians in England by Action Theatre (Italy)

I was interested to learn something about commedia dell’arte as well as to be entertained, and this show delivered on both. The story of the group behind the show, the masks, and their mission is also very interesting - some research is recommended. The show itself is a hilarious farcical romp, great fun, and gives a flavour of what commedia dell’arte must have been like long ago. Well done to all involved, and well worth seeing; highly recommended.

I loved this show. Just didn’t want it to end. Amazing performances and what a funny story! Thank you

I didn't want the show to end! I was so lucky to catch the last show of the Fringe. Each and every member of the cast were superb and immensely talented -gifted. My daughter who is 11 and not easily pleased LOVED every second of the performance as well. I wish I was brave enough to lead a standing ovation as I'm certain that everyone else at the venue would have followed suit. I can't wait a whole year to see them again... I wish an opportunity presents itself sooner!!!

Didn’t know if commedia dell’arte would be for me, but this was just brilliant! Hilarious performances all around, fun plot, great masks and costumes, and a fantastic cast. Pedrolino had us in absolute stitches!

“The Italians in England”
It’s Queen Elizabeth’s birthday; Shakespeare has not yet appeared to entertain in the early years of her reign; and she is bored with English ballad singers. What she wants for her next birthday is the current rage in all other royal courts but hers: the Italians and their Commedia dell’Arte. Action Theatre Italy premieres Rupert Raison’s “The Italians in England,” bringing to the 21st century the 16th century Il Vecchio Geloso (The Jealous Old Man), adapted from an original canovaccio by Flaminio Scala. The ten professional actors who helped Raison develop the production in a workshop three years ago now perform the farcical, laugh-out loud romp of comedy and music, with half the cast in leather half-masks and all in elaborate costumes of the period and genre. The direction is uncannily superb as even something as simple/complicated as heads turning back and forth in rapid and orchestrated succession repeatedly bring the house down in laughter. Raw passions, a jealous husband, horny servants and masters, and attacking wild boars are just a few of the hilarious surprises awaiting the show’s lucky audiences.
Rating: 5 E

I’d never seen commedia dell’arte before but I’m a big Shakespeare fan and this is an earlier form of theatre from Italy (my favourite country) and part of the history of how theatre developed as a type of culture / performance, and something that I’ve never had the chance to see before. I didn’t know what to expect but I found it hugely enjoyable and, in the end, heartwarming. The action is very stylised, with lots of slapstick and physical comedy, more like a Carry On film than a serious play, and all the characters were perfectly drawn and acted superbly for their full comic potential. And I loved the way all the characters were brought into the happy vibe at the ending.

Superbly acted, hilarious, loved the use of masks. Never a boring moment . Highly recommend this show.

Italians in England by Action Theatre (Italy) (****)
A young man connives to have a tryst with the young wife of a rich old man by arranging a dinner at the villa of a shared old doctor friend. From an abused fool to a cowardly captain to the rich cuckold, all of the elements of Italian commedia dell’arte are here, and performed perfectly and exuberantly. The bawdy jokes, broad humor, and ribald plot form a perfect blend.


This is the 18th most enjoyable of the 111 shows I have seen so far at the Fringe this year. I hope to see more than 150 this year. You may see my other three-sentence reviews, in order from most enjoyable to worst, at my non-commercial website: https://fringefan.com/

Side splittingly funny

What delightfully energetic play! The performances alone capture the spirit of Comedia del Arte, on top of the marvelous production design and masterful direction. Highly recommend!

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

One of the best shows I've seen so far with an extremely talented cast and delightful musical moments. There's no dead time, it's so funny and lively and compelling from start to finish! Excellent introduction to the comedia dell'arte. Give me more of this!

A classic comedic style done right! The energy of the cast was electric with brilliant performances across the board. Very funny throughout and with some lovely self accompanied music to tie the absurd hilarity all together. The best Commedia D’el Arte Troupe I have ever seen.

I had an absolute romp watching this! An absolutely fabulous show with gorgeous masks, absurd comedic acting, and great singing. High-energy and engaging throughout, with a super talented bunch of performers that had my sides splitting!

A bawdy romp expertly performed by a group of talented Anglo/Italian actors. A delight to watch. I hope they return in future years!

The utter ridiculousness of the commedia form may distract you from the fact that the cast is comprised of extremely talented comic actors, equally adept at improvisation and scripted comedic timing. Great costumes, gorgeous masks, and some extremely clever comedic moments. Definitely planning to watch again

If you want fun, energetic, music and interaction

This is the show for you

The use of the half masks to get you drawn into the Commedia dell’Arte art form and the whole story of which is very similar to “One man, two Gov’ner” you’ll be laughing from start to finish

5*

The Italians in England is exactly the kind of show I look for at the Edinburgh festival. It's hugely entertaining - and also feels like it offers a unique insight into what commedia dell'arte must have been like. The Italians in England is bawdy, cleverly staged, fast-paced, anarchic, hilarious and musical - and makes some of the best use of half mask I've ever seen. It's also one of the most purely joyous shows on the fringe. To me this show is a must see.

I don't think I stopped laughing for a second throughout this show, the energy was just contagious and the audience gets completely swept up into the chaos of it, whenever you thought you knew what was going to happen next, you were proved completely wrong in the most unexpected and creative way. I'd recommend this show to anyone looking for a good laugh this Fringe.

A brilliant troupe of performers, with a wonderfully silly story. Lots of laughs. I was so glad to get a chance to see this Commedia Dell'arte show. Thoroughly recommend.

This is a fantastic show. So educational about commedia and full of fantastic performances across the ensemble. We couldn't stop smiling! If you want to start your day in the best possible and most positive way, then look no further.

Wow - I absolutely loved this show! This is number 1 of the 25 shows I’ve been to this Fringe. Riotously hilarious and well acted by a troupe of talented performers

Wonderful commedia show!

12.25 at Surgeon's Hall @spaceuk.

The Italians in England by Action Theatre (Italy).

High energy, utterly ridiculous, hysterically funny. Go see it.
Congrats to all involved

A profoundly comic experience delivered with great skill and real panache!

Absolutely loved this show. Hysterically funny.
Extremely well presented. Been to 12 shows already, and this is in the top three

Gloriously silly, hilariously risque and just all round fun. I laughed the whole way through. If you want the same and love your cute, old-style, slapstick, double-entendre, musically-dotted shows that feels like real commedia dell'Arte where the company just works well together, this is well worth it.

Go see this show! What an awesome use of the form, this commedia made me laugh way more than I expected to, and the physical comedy is clean and well rehearsed. Perfect place for a show like this. I guarantee you will laugh.

Brilliant, go see it, so original, so loved that! Very italian