Holy Fool at Park Theatre: new Shostakovich play explores art under Stalin
One of the twentieth century’s most celebrated composers, Dmitri Shostakovich lived and worked under a regime where artistic choices could have life-changing consequences. A new play arriving at Park Theatre this autumn explores the compromises, fears and acts of resistance behind one of the most complex creative lives of the Soviet era.
Written by Rosalind Adler and Lea Sellers, Holy Fool is inspired by Shostakovich’s struggle to maintain his artistic identity during Stalin’s rule. Directed by Kate Fahy, the production runs at Park Theatre from 27 August to 10 October 2026, with a national press night on 3 September.
At the centre of the play is an artist forced to navigate an impossible situation. Publicly, Shostakovich was expected to satisfy the demands of Soviet cultural authorities; privately, he sought ways to preserve his own creative voice. The production explores the tension between survival and integrity, examining how artists respond when expression itself becomes politically dangerous.
Rather than presenting censorship as an abstract historical issue, Holy Fool focuses on the personal choices made by those living under authoritarian rule. Shostakovich’s music becomes part of that conflict: a form of communication capable of concealing as much as revealing.
The world premiere production stars Benjamin O’Mahony as Dmitri “Mitya” Shostakovich. He is joined by Jenna Augen as Nina, Phoebe Pryce as Katya and Fergus O’Donnell as Izaak.
O’Mahony’s previous screen and theatre work includes Kajaki, Hollyoaks and Ripper Street. Augen’s credits include Kyoto with the RSC and West End productions of Leopoldstadt, while Pryce has appeared in The Merchant of Venice at Shakespeare’s Globe and The Importance of Being Earnest at Royal Exchange. O’Donnell’s work includes productions with the RSC and Shakespeare’s Globe.
The production brings together writers Adler and Sellers with director Kate Fahy and a creative team including designer Will Fricker, lighting designer Oliver Fenwick and sound designer Julian Starr.
Shostakovich’s life has long raised questions about the relationship between artists and political power. His career was marked by official criticism, public compromise and private resistance, creating a legacy that continues to provoke debate about the role of art under pressure.
Holy Fool places those questions at the centre of a theatrical exploration of creativity, fear and survival, asking what an artist can preserve when almost everything else is controlled.
Holy Fool runs at Park Theatre, Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London N4 3JP, from 27 August to 10 October 2026. Performances are Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm, with Thursday and Saturday matinees at 3pm. National press night: Thursday 3 September, 7pm.
Holy Fool
Dates: Thursday 27 August – Saturday 10 October 2026
Performance schedule:
Monday–Saturday, 7.30pm
Thursday & Saturday matinees, 3.00pm
Venue:
Park Theatre, Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park
London N4 3JP
Information and tickets: https://parktheatre.co.uk/events/holy-fool/
Elena Leo is the Culture & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.
