REVIEW: Holy Fool by Rosalind Adler and Lea Sellers at Park Theatre 27 August – 10 October 2026

‘We often say that art should be free from politics.’ ★★★ ½

Inspired by real events, Holy Fool promises a portrait of an artist who fought oppression not with weapons, but with music.

Can art ever be free from politics? We might say yes. Holy Fool is inspired by the life of the Soviet composer Dmitri Shostakovich and his fight for survival in the oppressive Stalinist regime. The title refers to the Russian yurodivy, or holy fool, a seemingly harmless figure who can communicate dangerous truths indirectly. The play presents Shostakovich in this way.

The first act follows his attempt to protect both himself and his music. Shostakovich hides his most treasured score beneath the floorboards. He tells Katya, a young Communist, that he does not want to join the Party. Moved by her genuine response to his music, he plays for her, recognises her talent and encourages her, unaware of the future consequences.

The second act shifts its focus to Katya, who returns not as a pianist but as a plumber. Shostakovich does not even recognise her, when she feels that he has ruined her life by showing her a future she could never have. She nearly destroys the hidden score, and this leads to his stroke.



We often say that art should be free from politics, but art still does something to people. What responsibility does an artist have for the hope their work creates? How responsible can they be for the effect of their words or actions on someone whose circumstances are completely different from their own? These are interesting questions for the play to ask.

The story begins as if it is mainly about Shostakovich, but gradually becomes more about how his actions affected Katya. This shift makes the second act stronger. The first act could be tighter. For a play named after someone who communicates truth indirectly, it sometimes explains its ideas a bit too directly.

Still, the performances are beautifully judged, Kate Fahy’s direction is clear, and the lighting and projections are used effectively.

HOLY FOOL at Park Theatre 27 August – 10 October 2026

Box Office https://parktheatre.co.uk/events/holy-fool/

Cast

Benjamin O’Mahony – Dmitri Shostakovich

Jenna Augen - Nina

Fergus O’Donnell - Izaak

Benjamin O’Mahony - Mitya

Phoebe Pryce - Katya

Creatives

Rosalind Adler and Lea Sellers - Co-writers

Kate Fahy - Director

William Fricker - Set & Costume Designer

Oliver Fenwick - Lighting Designer

Julian Starr - Sound Designer

Raffaela Pancucci - Associate Sound Designer