THEY SAY CLOTHES MAKETH THE MAN...

In 1906, a remarkable event took place in Germany, capturing the public's imagination and creating a legendary folk hero. This event is recorded and celebrated in Carl Zuckmayer's The Captain of Kopenick. Making its debut in Berlin in 1931, the play now enjoys an English revival at the Olivier Theatre and has been robustly adapted by Ron Hutchinson and directed by Adrian Noble.

There is a prevalent element of the surreal in Noble's production, reflected in a powerful stage design which features a cartoon-like cityscape that towers above the onstage antics. The script, while updated for a modern English audience, retains its earthy humour; even though the play's central themes include freedom, duty, conformity and urban alienation, it upholds its comedy roots by virtue of an extraordinary and outrageous story.

WHAT IS THE CAPTAIN OF KOPENICK ABOUT?

Based on true events, the story centres on the exploits of Friedrich Wilhelm Voigt. Newly released from prison after spending 30-odd years behind bars, Friedrich once again falls foul of the law, this time for not having proof of identity papers. Unable to prove who he is, the police refuse him leave to remain and a frustrated Friedrich takes matters into his own hands when he finds and dons a discarded military uniform.

The disguise proves unbelievably effective when Friedrich takes command of a small group of soldiers, marches on the town hall, cites corruption and empties the treasury for his own gain. While a fantastical tale about a folk anti-hero, the play is also a poignant representation of the German people's subservience to authority in uniform in the run up to World War II.