The Chair of Saint Peter (& Other Games) invites audiences inside a surreal reimagining of the papal conclave, delivered as a high-energy physical theatre experience.

The performers bring an impressive range, moving between dance, accent work, and broad physical comedy with ease. The humour spans from surreal to slapstick, landing thanks consistently to tightly written dialogue and confident delivery. Importantly, the show avoids turning its subject into a caricature, choosing instead to play with tone and absurdity while maintaining a sense of respect for its source material.

The design is impressive. The staging reimagines the Basilica through a Suspiria-esque, cult-like lens, giving the comedy space to breathe while creating a striking visual world that supports the performance.

While the ending is satisfying, it asks the audience to do more interpretive work than the rest of the show prepares them for, creating a slight tonal mismatch.

Still, Chair of Saint Peter (& Other Games) is a smart and entertaining piece, driven by strong physical performance and inventive design. It will appeal to audiences looking for something playful, theatrical, and a little offbeat, making the Chair of Saint Peter (& Other Games) a strong contender for canonisation among this year’s Fringe highlights.