"A nation that devours another will one day devour itself".

Set when The Great Devouring comes home, England & Son is a one-man play written specifically for the award-winning political comedian Mark Thomas by award-winning playwright Ed Edwards (The Political History of Smack and Crack, Paines Plough's Roundabout, Soho and UK tour).

This is the first play Mark has ever performed in that he has not written himself.

With some deep, dark laughs - and some deep, dark love - along the way, England & Son emerges from characters Mark knew in his childhood and Ed's lived experience in jail.

Prepare for Mark to take you on a kaleidoscopic odyssey where disaster capitalism, empire, stolen youth and stolen wealth merge into the simple tale of a working-class boy who just wants his dad to smile at him.

Mark Thomas in England & Son is part of the Traverse's £1 Ticket Project.

The Traverse Theatre is funded by Creative Scotland and The City of Edinburgh Council.

Reviews & Awards

THE SCOTSMAN FRINGE FIRST AWARD - 2023

ENTERTAINMENT NOW – Best Theatre Award -2023

LUSTRUM AWARD – Unforgettable Festival Shows - 2023

HOLDEN STREET THEATRES’ AWARD - 2023

OFFFEST – Nominee 2023

✭✭✭✭✭ “A brilliant piece of political theatre at its most entertaining, engaging and effective” THE MORNING STAR

✭✭✭✭✭ “Asearing one-hander that burns on long after the audience has vacated their seats” FEST MAG

✭✭✭✭✭ “Extraordinarily powerful… a stunning performance” SCOTS GAY

✭✭✭✭✭ “Veering from funny to ferocious… very humorous and deeply moving. Don’t miss this!” NORTH WEST END UK

✭✭✭✭ “Funny and ferocious” THE GUARDIAN

✭✭✭✭“A ferocious script, sharply directed and magnificently delivered” THE TIMES

✭✭✭✭ “Expertly played blistering solo” THE TELEGRAPH

✭✭✭✭ “Tremendous energy and real pathos… a tremendous performance from Mark Thomas” THE STAGE

✭✭✭✭ "Exquisitely crafted... the austere moral intensity of script and performance are never compromised" THE LIST

✭✭✭✭ “Fierce and sharp… profound and moving. A triumph for all concerned” WHAT’S ON STAGE

✭✭✭✭ “Heartbreakingly powerful, sharp and tragic… he remains one of the great performer-storytellers of our time” THE SCOTSMAN

If you have access requirements, please contact our Sales and Welcome Team on boxoffice@traverse.co.uk or 0131 228 1404 so we can arrange reserved seating for you and discuss how else we can best support your visit.