Francis, the Holy Jester

This play is a rare feat of story-telling, depicting the life of a 13th century Catholic monk (albeit the founder of the Franciscan tradition) in a manner bristling with energy and invention. Although written by Nobel Prize-winning satirist Dario Fo, this production is very much the love child of Fo's long-standing collaborator Mario Pirovano. Eleven years after its premiere in their native Italy, Pirovano is embarking on tour with his English translation.

With a life story often controlled by vested interests (not least the Catholic church) and often mistakenly depicted today, the eponymous saint receives what is billed as an impassioned depiction of his true, if forgotten, legacy. Folk tales are weaved together to create an enchanting depiction of 13th Century Italy. The play is structured episodically, choosing four separate events from the life of St. Francis; often illustrating the hardship of life and the redemption Francis finds in his faith.

Pirovano gives a hypnotic performance as a range of characters from 13th-century Italy: from popes to wolves to St Francis himself. He manages to create a main character both wholesome and flawed. Even in asides and ad libs, Pirovano is effortlessly charismatic; his charm creates empathy, enhancing the play's attempts to portray an uncensored account of Francis's life. Fo's touches of wry humour save the play from becoming too embittered, and the obvious pleasure Pirovano takes from the material makes it an overall positive experience.

Thought-provoking and entertaining, this is an enjoyable feat of storytelling with a keen heart at its core.