What Is Mark Thomas Doing In The New Play Ordinary Decent Criminal At The Stephen Joseph Theatre?

Ever wondered what happens when you put a comedian, known for his sharp political wit, into a serious play about prison? Well, it looks like an answer is on its way. The famous political comedian Mark Thomas is taking centre stage in a brand-new production heading to Scarborough. This isn't a stand-up show, though. It’s a powerful new play called Ordinary Decent Criminal, and it’s landing at the Stephen Joseph Theatre for one night only. The story promises a look inside a prison that’s not quite what you’d expect, exploring big ideas about freedom, revolution, and the complicated messiness of love. It’s a show that gets you thinking, all while telling a gripping story about a man trying to find his way in a world behind bars.

What's the story behind Ordinary Decent Criminal?

Picture this: the time is just after the massive Strangeways Prison riot. Back in 1990, prisoners at Strangeways in Manchester protested for 25 days about the awful conditions they were living in. It was a huge event that made everyone talk about what prisons should really be like. This play, Ordinary Decent Criminal, is set in the years that followed, a time when people were trying out new ideas. And that’s where the story kicks off, inside a liberal prison experiment. What does that mean? Basically, it’s a prison trying to do things differently, maybe focusing more on helping people than just punishing them.

Into this strange new world walks our main character, Frankie. He’s just been handed a three-and-a-half-year sentence for dealing drugs, and he’s probably expecting the worst. But what he finds is something else entirely. The play, written by the brilliant playwright Ed Edwards, throws Frankie into a situation where nothing and no one is as they seem. It’s a powerful setup for a compelling piece of theatre. Ed Edwards himself is an ex-offender, so he writes from a place of real experience, which makes his work hit even harder. This isn't just a made-up tale; it has a raw authenticity that comes from someone who knows the world he's writing about. The show promises to explore whether a revolution can start in the most unlikely of places.

Meet the character: Frankie

So, who is this Frankie? Played by the brilliant Mark Thomas, he’s not your typical tough-guy prisoner. Frankie is a recovering addict, and he’s more of a thinker than a fighter. He arrives at the prison armed with a typewriter, a soul full of activist fire, and, as the description amusingly puts it, a "sore lack of a right hook." He’s clearly out of his depth in some ways, but his real strength isn't in his fists. It’s in his words and his passion for change.

As Frankie gets to know the other convicts, he starts to connect with them on a deeper level. These aren’t just nameless criminals; they’re complex people with their own stories and secrets. He somehow manages to find his way into their troubled hearts, and they, in turn, find their way into his. It’s through these relationships that Frankie discovers something incredible: the spirit of revolution isn’t dead. It’s just been sleeping, waiting for someone to wake it up. This journey of discovery, centred around the character of Frankie, is about finding freedom and connection in a place designed to take it away. Seeing Mark Thomas, a performer known for his powerful one-man shows, take on the role of Frankie is an exciting prospect for anyone who loves great theatre.

A surprising twist in a liberal prison experiment

The whole idea of a liberal prison experiment is fascinating. It suggests a system trying to be more humane, but what does that look like in practice? Does it work? Ordinary Decent Criminal seems to dig into this very question. The show hints that even in a place aiming for reform, human nature is still complicated. The convicts Frankie meets are not straightforward characters. Everyone has a hidden side, a story that isn't immediately obvious. This creates a brilliant sense of mystery and tension.

The play suggests that true change, or a revolution, doesn't always come from grand gestures or organised protests. Sometimes, it starts with small acts of connection and understanding between people. Frankie’s journey is about seeing past the labels – convict, drug dealer, addict – and finding the shared humanity underneath. It’s a story about hope and the possibility of a better world, even when things seem bleak. The narrative touches on themes of messy love and the fight for personal freedom, making it a deeply human story. This isn't just a political play; it’s a personal one, exploring how big ideas affect individual lives. The synergy between the different elements promises a truly unique theatre experience.

The powerhouse team behind the show

A great play is always the result of a fantastic team, and Ordinary Decent Criminal has some serious talent behind it. The playwright is Ed Edwards, who has won awards for his previous works like England & Son. He has a knack for writing stories that are both gritty and full of heart. Reuniting him with Mark Thomas is a masterstroke, as they clearly have a strong creative connection.

The production is a collaboration between some of the UK’s most respected theatre companies. We’re talking about Paines Plough, Live Theatre, and the Theatre Royal Plymouth, all working together. They've also joined forces with Synergy Theatre Project, a brilliant organisation that works with prisoners and ex-offenders to create theatre. This partnership adds another layer of authenticity and purpose to the whole project. On top of that, the show is directed by Charlotte Bennett, the Joint Artistic Director of Paines Plough. With such a strong team, this show is set to be a polished, professional, and powerful piece of theatre. The collaboration between these renowned companies ensures a high-quality production that will stay with you long after you leave the theatre.

How to get your tickets for this must-see play

If this sounds like your kind of night out, you’ll want to get your tickets sorted. Ordinary Decent Criminal is coming to the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough for one night only.

Here are the details you need:

• What: The play Ordinary Decent Criminal starring Mark Thomas
• Where: The Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
• When: Thursday 28 October
• Time: 7.45pm

Getting tickets is easy. You can either call the box office directly or book online.

This is a unique opportunity to see a brand-new show from a celebrated playwright and a legendary political comedian before it goes anywhere else. It’s the kind of theatre event that gets everyone talking, so don't miss your chance to see what this extraordinary show.