You’re late for class! Join us for a new take on an old play, where education meets entertainment. In this irreverent lecture-gone-wrong, you won’t just learn about Roman comedy - you’ll have a chance to shape the action.

A lively chorus of characters will sample scenes from Pseudolus, a classic Roman comedy. You’ll travel to ancient Rome where the slave Pseudolus must use all his cunning to help his young master, Infatuatus, rescue his girlfriend-cum-courtesan before she is sold to the brutish Macedonian soldier, Mr Hack-and-Slash. Translated and adapted by Meg Challis, this is a farcical tale that displays Plautus at the pinnacle of his wittiest wisecracks and most riotous ribaldry.

Led by a long-suffering Lecturer, you'll uncover the voices of women, enslaved people and others often overlooked in traditional accounts of the ancient world.

What to expect:

A bawdy 60-minute stage play that requests audience participation which is entirely optional.

Content advisory

The performance contains discussions and references to physical and sexual violence, sexual innuendo, and mature themes, including the experience of enslaved peoples. While there are no explicit depictions of violence or sexual activity, viewer discretion is advised. Parental supervision recommended for audience members under the age of fifteen.

Being Human 2026

This project was produced in collaboration with the 2026 Being Human Festival. Founded in the UK as the only national festival of the humanities, Being Human is now a global celebration dedicated to demonstrating the breadth, diversity and vitality of the humanities.

View the full Festival program here.

Contact the host of Roman Comedy 101: A (Very) Theatrical Introduction

There were 0 errors found in the information you submitted: