Praised as a joyful lesson in theater and a tribute to the theatrical ability of Italians to connect to anyone without language obstacles, La Lezione di Teatro | The Acting Class is a 50-minute play on what it means to be an actor. Set partly in English and partly in Italian with no need for subtitles, this show demolishes"with humor, wit and body work"preconceived notions of the difficulty of theater language, entertaining an audience that speaks Italian, English, or both... or none!The plot is simple, set along the lines of the tradition of the comedy of errors: an Italian actress receives a student in her apartment for a theatre lesson; he is eager to learn the tricks of the trade and she is thrilled at the idea of making him fall in love with Italian theatre: She sits him down and searches through her library, preparing the ideal acting class for him! From Plautus to Dario Fo, the lesson seems to be going really well until... We realize that there is a small language problem, and communication breaks down! The universal language of the masks of Commedia dell'Arte comes to the rescue!

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

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Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now