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No Pay? No Way! By Dario Fo and Franca Rame
Adapted by Marieke Hardy
Directed by Sarah Giles

6 April – 11 May 2024

In the Drama Theatre

Sydney Theatre Company

Theatre

The work of one of Italy’s most lauded playwrights, Dario Fo, No Pay? No Way! mixes political satire, hilarious plot twists and sharp-as-a-tack dialogue to create a thrilling experience that will have you in fits of laughter from beginning to end.

“Hysterically funny” - Time Out

When No Pay? No Way! opened in 2020 it was instantly met with standing ovations and glowing reviews. Now, one of Sydney Theatre Company’s funniest and most beloved productions in recent years returns to the Drama Theatre and to a world more in need of its wild, farcical wisdom than ever. Directed by the award-winning Sarah Giles and adapted from Dario Fo’s original Italian by ABC comedy powerhouse Marieke Hardy, this 1970s joyride satirises the world of dollars and cents to uproarious effect.

Prices are out of control – and so is Antonia. Sick of having barely enough to pay the gas bill, she leads an uprising at a local supermarket that sees a group of angry housewives shoplift ‘til they drop. Now, with a pile of newly ‘liberated’ loot, Antonia – played by Mandy McElhinney – and her best friend Margherita – played by Emma Harvie – embark on a ludicrous, laugh-a-minute escapade to stay three steps ahead of the law. Also featuring first-rate comedy legends Roman Delo, Glenn Hazeldine and Aaron Tsindos, this is a thrilling experience that will have you in fits of laughter from beginning to end.

★★★★1/2 "Two hours of anarchic comedy which leaves you struggling to catch your breath between laughs." The Sydney Morning Herald

★★★★ "Marvellously funny." The Guardian

★★★★ "A riotous, ridiculous delight with a sting in its tail… I haven’t heard an audience laugh so loud for a long time." Limelight Magazine

★★★★ "That glorious rare combination of utterly bonkers and totally logical." Stage Noise

★★★★ "Do not miss out on this wild ride!" Time Out

★★★★★ "The best social farce you're likely to ever see." Sydney Arts Guide

Presented by Sydney Theatre Company

Artist information

Director
Sarah Giles

Designer 
Charles Davis

Lighting Designer 
Paul Jackson

Composer & Sound Designer 
Steve Francis

With
Roman Delo, Emma Harvie, Glenn Hazeldine, Mandy McElhinney, Aaron Tsindos

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