Your choice is to die onstage or off it: what do you choose? This powerful piece seeks to answer that question in two ways. The first half of Rhum + Clay’s show (informed and inspired by international artists currently living under authoritarian regimes) breaks us in gently with a funny, almost child-like piece of physical theatre. 

There are jokes, balloons, audience participation and some lovely bits of business showing Tobias (a cross between Macron and Jesus Christ) on a quest to Solve All The Problems. Between their infectious energy and general silliness, some well-placed comments on power, politics and the media land as Tobias’ lust for authority and influence grows.  This is followed by a dramatic change of pace and energy, particularly highlighting Khaled Kurbeh’s insistent live musical accompaniment. It’s clear the stakes couldn’t be higher, as the duo return to a simpler form of clowning: stripped back, wordless, showing the audience that power still corrupts, and absolute power still corrupts absolutely.

A bold move, for sure, and the switch from humour to something altogether darker could be risky in less-skilled hands, but Matt Wells and Julian Spooner are on solid ground here, carrying their audience with them. That there’s no neat wrapped-up ending is one of this show’s strengths as the audience emerged into the soft light of a summer evening with more questions than answers. There seems little doubt that this is a conclusion of which these thoughtful, empathetic players would be proud. 

Pleasance Courtyard, until 27 August, 6.10pm.