The Statesman at Theatro Technis

Metal Rabbit Productions presents:

The Statesman

Absurdist Comedy The Statesman to Premiere in London this September

September 10th - 27th, matinees on Saturdays

“We don’t laugh at all.”

“But that doesn’t mean you’re not hilarious.”

What happens when a village that has outlawed laughter is suddenly forced to learn how to be funny?

In New York-based writer Joel Marlin’s new absurdist comedy about the importance of laughter itself, The Statesman tells the story of a humourless village and the bitter old man whose job it is to teach them how to be funny.

In this novel six-hander, a small village stands defiantly apart from its neighbours as a place where humour is outlawed. A dull, harmonious peace reigns – but when a boy is exiled for the forbidden act of laughter, his case catches the eye of the Queen. Intrigued, she dispatches a representative to uncover the truth.

Now, with just one week to prove they’re capable of comedy, the villagers and their stern Governor face a terrifying dilemma: to protect their way of life, they must learn how to become the very thing they are not – funny.

Fast-paced, sharp, and bitingly relevant, The Statesman blends political satire with heart, asking audiences the question: how does laughter unite us when it appears that little does?

ABOUT JOEL MARLIN (WRITER)

Joel Marlin developed The Statesman through readings at Naked Angels, the Arcola Theatre, and the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre. He has worked as a writer for Electronic Arts and MTV Games’ Rock Band series (Best of Show in the Games Critics Awards: Best of E3), written for The History Channel’s Decoded, and taught playwriting in New York City Public Schools. His work has been funded by grants from the New York State Council on the Arts and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

ABOUT QUENTIN BEROUD (DIRECTOR)

Quentin Beroud is a director and writer for stage and screen. His play Fabulous Creatures ( - Stage to Page) recently closed at Arcola Theatre. Previously, his adaptation of Marivaux’s The Game of Love & Chance ( - Hackney Gazette) was an OffWestEnd Award Finalist. His production of Richard II ( - The Telegraph) was staged at the Houses of Parliament and recognized by The Stage as one of 2016's defining shows. He has also worked on Richard III and The Daughter-in-Law at Arcola Theatre. 

ABOUT METAL RABBIT (PRODUCER)

Metal Rabbit Productions was established in 2012, since then it has produced quality new work in London, on tour in the UK and in New York, garnering multiple OffWestEnd and Broadway World award nominations.

Previous productions include: Boy Parts (Soho Theatre), The Misandrist (Arcola Theatre), The Prince (Southwark Playhouse), Mediocre White Male (Kings Head Theatre & Park Theatre), Spiderfly (Theatre503), We’re Staying Right Here and Fishskin Trousers (Park Theatre); Cuckoo (Soho Theatre); Tonight With Donny Stixx (The Bunker); Cargo (Arcola Theatre); Radiant Vermin (Bristol Tobacco Factory, Soho Theatre, 59E59 NYC); Lardo (Old Red Lion); Johnny Got His Gun (Southwark Playhouse and UK Tour); and Ernest Hemingway’s Fiesta (Trafalgar Studios).

The Statesman
Venue: Theatro Technis, 26 Crowndale Rd, London NW1 1TT

Dates:  10–13, 15–20, 22–27 (including Saturday matinees) September 2025

Ticket link: https://www.theatrotechnis.com/whatson/the-statesman