“If only we can give them faith that mountains can be moved, they will accept the illusion that they are movable, and thus the illusion becomes a reality.” Benito Mussolini believed it, and he made sure everyone believed it too.  The famed fascist leader of Italy was seen as a competent political legislator by some, including Winston Churchill no less, and a complete buffoon by others. Regardless of his reputation it is fair to say he was certainly a moving and influential figure of the 20th century.  Written and performed by award winning Italian actor Tom Corradini, Mussolini or Il Duce (‘The Leader’) as he was often known, like his political contemporaries, was able to sway the minds of his citizens by the power of his expertly written speeches.  Arrogantly presenting himself at the beginning of the show, he proudly announces a number of tools he used to convince and motivate people. Shamelessly bragging about how he is an unpleasant and manipulative political apparatchik who, whilst clearly dedicated to his convictions, is entirely willing to do anything to achieve his goals. As the play progresses, this predictable caricature that history has convinced us was a one-dimensional fool is entirely false. The audience discovers he is not simply a reprehensible dictator, but a highly complex renaissance man who spoke multiple languages and respected literature. All redeeming features, but most importantly he had an actual grip on reality, unlike other authoritarian leaders at the time.  Notably, Corradini makes the point of performing the show to school groups. It is clear from the play that life and historical figures aren’t simple. Using Mussolini’s language and quotes (of which much of the script is derived), it is a subtle educational experience. The subtle journey from hated figure to likeable character puts into context how a person with delicately chosen words and simple messages easily convince people that they can be the remedy of all of societies’ problems. As Mussolini said “It is better to live one day as a lion than 100 years as a sheep.” The show itself is above all things hilarious. Corradini’s intricate and deliberate physical performance is not only almost identical to some of Mussolini’s mannerisms, but are made at the most opportune times. Married with his complete dedication to his characterisation, comical moments underline significant messages. Corradini endlessly finds opportunities to slide in another not so subtle comical moment, like sharing the space with a demonic looking puppet of Adolf Hitler. He does however, not waste the opportunity to make the most of the dramatic moments in the play making it clear that this is a man who has a story to tell, and it is a personal one. He opens up about the difficulties of his childhood, his personal life and his political responsibilities during a radical time in modern history. Or maybe he is just using his tools of manipulation to convince people to forgive his actions.