Wilton’s Music Hall will host a unique theatrical event this May as acclaimed playwright Mark Ravenhill debuts 10 brand-new comedy plays across a two-day marathon of rehearsed readings titled Run At It Laughing. Taking place on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 May, the event is presented by Run At It Shouting, with 80 professional actors performing in the historic East End venue.
The plays – bawdy, farcical, and rooted in human folly – are inspired by 17th-century Italian commedia dell’arte scenarios, first published in 1611 by Flaminio Scala. Ravenhill’s versions are not reconstructions but modern interpretations that celebrate collective foolishness, mistaken identities, power struggles, sex, and money – all the traditional ingredients of broad comedy with a contemporary twist. Each play can be enjoyed individually, but together they create a sitcom-like structure with returning characters placed in new comic situations.
The cycle includes three all-female productions (Run At It Backstage, Run At It Toothless, Run At It With A Plan), reflecting Ravenhill’s interest in equal representation, echoing the original commedia troupes who were among the first to feature women as professional performers. Audiences can attend single readings or commit to the full 15-hour experience over the weekend.
The performance titles range from the playful (Run At It Horny, Run At It With A Vengeance) to the absurd (Run At It In The Countryside, Run At It In Disguise). Ravenhill himself directs the readings, developed over the course of a year during monthly workshops with actors at Run At It Shouting.
Speaking about the project, Ravenhill said: “During the workshops, one of the actors said, ‘It’s a bit like a Carry On film written by Shakespeare.’ That’s the sweet spot I’m aiming for.” He adds, “These plays are generous, frank, and full of comic energy – something we need in divisive times.”
Run At It Shouting, co-founded by Charlie and Frances MacGechan, has established itself as one of the UK’s leading platforms for affordable theatre workshops and events. This latest venture further cements its reputation for bold, accessible programming.
The event marks a major return for Ravenhill, known for landmark works such as Shopping and F**ing* (Royal Court), Mother Clap’s Molly House (National Theatre), and The Cane (Royal Court). Run At It Laughing builds on that legacy with a riotous new format tailored for ensemble performance and immediate connection with audiences.
Run At It Laughing – Performance Schedule
Wilton’s Music Hall, Graces Alley, London E1 8JB
Friday 9 May
12:00 – Run At It Horny
14:00 – Run At It Babies
16:00 – Run At It Backstage (all female)
18:00 – Run At It Toothless (all female)
20:00 – Run At It With A Plan (all female)
Saturday 10 May
12:00 – Run At It Twins
14:00 – Run At It In Disguise
16:00 – Run At It Feuding
18:00 – Run At It In The Countryside
20:00 – Run At It With A Vengeance
Tickets:
£12 for first play
£8 for each additional play
£40 Weekend Pass (limited availability)
On sale from Thursday 13 February at 11:00am
www.wiltons.org.uk
Each play runs 90 minutes
