The internationally acclaimed Wrestling School makes its first visit to the Arcola in the Premiere of a new play by Howard Barker, described by the Times as ‘Britain’s greatest living dramatist’.

On an ordinary day
Comes a man with extraordinary news
And the unknown reveals itself
Destroying an ordinary life…
And a civilization

Muscular and memorable, Barker’s witty, dark compelling tale is an exhilarating and powerful testing of a life.

Intense, compressed, this is a bold and beautiful exploration of a world overturned.

CREATIVE TEAM:

Written by Howard Barker
Directed by Gerrard McArthur
Designed by Thomas Leipzig
Lighting by Ace McCarron

This  'powerful'  production is arresting'   'dazzling'  'unrelentingly tense'    'Duncan Bell's performance is brilliantly disconcerting: he flirts with doom, smiles inappropriately ...outstanding'

The Observer

'George Irving’s performance as the Barber is mesmerising'

What’s on Stage

'a sophisticated exercise in high-concept bloodless carnage.'

Time Out

'hypnotic...truly unnerving'
The Stage