Benjamin O’Mahony has been confirmed to play Dmitri Shostakovich in the world premiere of Holy Fool, a new play exploring the composer’s life under Stalin. The production runs at Park Theatre from 27 August to 10 October, with a press night on 3 September.

Benjamin O’Mahony, known for his role in Ripper Street, will portray Soviet composer Dmitri Shostakovich in Holy Fool, a new play by Rosalind Adler and Lea Sellers. The production opens at Park Theatre on 27 August and will run until 10 October, with a press night scheduled for 3 September.

The story follows Shostakovich’s struggle to maintain his artistic integrity during the oppressive rule of Joseph Stalin. Set at the height of Stalin’s regime, the play delves into the dangers and compromises faced by the composer.

Joining O’Mahony are Jenna Augen, who takes on the role of Nina, Phoebe Pryce as Katya, and Fergus O’Donnell as Izaak. Augen’s previous credits include Kyoto, while Pryce has appeared in The Merchant of Venice and O’Donnell in I May Destroy You.

Kate Fahy directs the production, supported by a creative team including set designer Will Fricker, lighting designer Oliver Fenwick, and sound designer Julian Starr. The play is presented by Park Theatre and Wild Yak, in collaboration with co-producer Alexander “Sandy” Marshall.

Holy Fool marks the first staging of this original work that focuses on Shostakovich’s artistic resilience amidst political oppression. It adds to a growing interest in stories that examine Soviet-era cultural figures and the tensions they faced.

The production invites audiences to reconsider the complex relationship between creativity and authoritarian power through the lens of one of the 20th century’s most celebrated composers.