The Statesman: a new absurdist comedy about a village where laughter is banned

Elena Leo is the Culture & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.

This September, The Statesman arrives at London’s Theatro Technis — a darkly funny and sharply political new play from New York writer Joel Marlin.

Set in a remote village where humour is outlawed and no one has cracked a joke for generations, the story follows a grim old man tasked with teaching the residents how to be funny. When a boy is exiled for the forbidden act of laughter, the village finds itself under the watchful eye of the Queen’s envoy. To protect their way of life, they must do the unthinkable: learn to be funny.

Directed by Quentin Beroud, The Statesman blends dry wit with absurdist satire and a surprising dose of heart. It asks whether comedy can truly be taught — and what happens when a community confronts the thing it has spent years suppressing.

The six-strong cast includes David Fielder as the bitter teacher and Paul Westwood as the Governor. With performances running from 10 to 27 September, it’s a fast-paced, thought-provoking addition to the London theatre scene this autumn.