Ordinary Decent Criminal

Written by Ed Edwards Directed by Charlotte Bennett

Meet recovering addict Frankie, played by renowned political comedian Mark Thomas. 

Frankie’s just been sentenced to three and a half years in jail for dealing drugs. When he gets there, none of his fellow convicts are what they seem. 

And with his typewriter, his activist soul, and his sore lack of a right hook, he somehow finds his way into their troubled hearts, and they into his. 

In the unlikeliest of places, he discovers that the revolution is not dead. It’s just sleeping. 

A brand new play from the writer of the Fringe First winning England & Son and A Political History of Smack & Crack, Ed Edwards reunites with Mark Thomas to tell a tale of freedom, revolution and messy love.

Directed by Paines Plough’s Joint Artistic Director, Charlotte Bennett.

A co-production between Paines Plough, Live Theatre, Theatre Royal Plymouth and Ellie Keel Productions, in association with Synergy Theatre Project.


Age guidance: 16+
Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, scenes of violence, strong language/swearing, references to drug use and sexual references.

Reviews

Praise for England & Son

"Funny and ferocious."

The Guardian

"Thomas has always paired his activism with the skills of a born storyteller… [delivered] with tremendous energy and real pathos."

The Stage

"A truly stunning one-man performance from Mark Thomas...Thomas and Edwards is a partnership we never knew we needed."

Everything Theatre

Ordinary Decent Criminal

23 October 2025 - 8:00 pm
24 October 2025 - 8:00 pm
Tickets

Standard: £16
Pay more: £20
Pay less: £12

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