Written by Told By An Idiot and using their trademark anarchic physicality and inventive storytelling, I Am Thomas arrives in London from the 20th to the 30th April.
I Am Thomas is a brutal comedy with songs that looks at Edinburgh’s dark past by telling the true story of Thomas Aikenhead, a student who was the last person in the UK to be executed for blasphemy.
The production, directed by Paul Hunter, features original lyrics written by poet Simon Armitage and is a collaboration between The Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, the National Theatre of Scotland and Told by an Idiot.
Shifting between 1696 and the present day, I Am Thomas examines the notions of freedom of speech and is inspired by fact, fantasy and a short story by James Robertson.
The cast includes John Cobb, Amanda Hadingue, Myra McFayden, John Pfumojena, Hannah McPake, Dominic Marsh, Charlie Folorunsho and Iain Johnstone, who also perform the live score for the play.
Paul Hunter, Artistic Director of Told by an Idiot and director of I am Thomas says:“Told by an Idiot is thrilled to partner with the National Theatre of Scotland and The Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh for the first time, to bring this extraordinary episode of hidden history to life. This is a highly pertinent piece, examining the notion of freedom of speech in a surprising, provocative and unsettling manner. We are delighted to collaborate with Simon Armitage alongside Associate Idiot Iain Johnstone to create a vibrant theatrical musical form to tell the universal story of Thomas Aikenhead.”
I Am Thomas is designed by Laura Hopkins, sound by Adrienne Quartlyand lighting by Paul Anderson.
I Am Thomas will play at Wilton’s Music Hall from the 20th to the 30th April.