Tickets: £8 / £6 concs

Venue: Studio Theatre

Dario Fo’s classic riotous comedy Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay! offers the perfect antidote in these uncertain financial times. When a group of women take part in an unplanned ‘supermarket sweep’ in protest at ever-rising prices, the ensuing chaos spirals hysterically out of control as they seek to evade the long arm (and strangely familiar face) of the law, and at the same time allay their husbands’ suspicions…

Fast and furious, frantic and farcical, Dario Fo has created a political fable that remains as relevant today as ever. When combined with Chickenshed’s characteristic energy and verve, this will be an unforgettable piece of theatre for our times.

Dario Fo is one of the world's most celebrated comic playwrights and in 1997 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. Since writing Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay! in 1974 the play has been performed all over the world including a highly successful run in London’s West End during the 1980s.

Translated by Lino Pertile, adapted by Bill Colvill and Robert Walker.

Running Time: 2hrs (including interval)
Age Recommendation: 10+

Production Images:

Click on 'View Galleries' above to see a selection of images.

Reviews:

'Two hours of pure joy relieve us from the fact that "times is 'ard" (sic). This is one winner I recommend you Can Pay, Must Pay to see!' 4 STARS One Stop Arts - read full review

'The most enormous fun for everyone on stage and in the stalls... Geoffrey Boud and Gavin May as a pair of bumbling police sergeants / inspectors / undertakers / ageing parents, a double act as funny as any from the golden age of television comedy.' broadwayworld.com - read full review

Audience reactions:

'An updated farce slickly performed!'

'The best comedy that Chickenshed has ever done! You have to see it!'

'Totally madcap!'

'Funny, energetic, clever and positive'

'Very entertaining, an excellent evening out'

Access Performances:

Sign Interpreted: Fri 19 Oct, 7.30pm
Captioned: Fri 26 Oct, 7.30pm
Audio Described: Sat 27 Oct, 3.30pm (Touch Tour at 2.30pm)

Learn more about access at Chickenshed.

Meet the cast

Thu 25 Oct (post-show), £2
Join the cast and director for an informal chat and a drink after the performance - booking price includes a glass of wine or soft drink. Pre-booking required by calling our Box Office on 020 8292 9222 or emailing . 

Why this play and Chickenshed's casting process
- a note from the director

When looking for suitable existing plays for the Studio Theatre, we looked for one that could open itself up to be a Chickenshed play; something that gives us the freedom and opportunity to allow for the breadth of casting and creativity that reflects the ethos and style of the company, and which permeates all our work, whether it's a one-man show or a cast of 600.

I am delighted to be working with a cast that reflects this, from staff members, fellow professionals new to Chickenshed, our third year BA students and members of the Adult Theatre Workshop. Jelena Budimir, director.