Forming the first part of the David Hare Trilogy (which also comprises of Murmuring Judges and The Absence of War) Racing Demon focuses on the Church of England. A disparate body, the Church now finds itself attracting unwanted publicity, wracked by the dissension of its members on matters of doctrine and practice and at odds with the government. In this climate the Reverend Lionel Espy and his team of clergymen struggle to make sense of their mission in South London, as the arrival of a zealous young curate intensifies their personal and professional problems. Premiered at the Royal National Theatre in a production starring Oliver Ford Davies, Richard Pasco, and Michael Bryant, Racing Demon has toured very successfully in Britain and abroad and has made several triumphant returns to the Royal National Theatre.
“Bracingly intelligent and highly entertaining.” - The Guardian
“...brilliant and funny...” - The Observer
"As rivetting as a boxing match." - N.Y. Magazine