Shady Business

“Shady Business” is a crime farce by Robin Hawdon, directed by Jerzy Bończak. In this story, nobody tells the whole truth, time is running out for the characters, and a single bed becomes the centre of mafia chaos.

The action takes place in the apartment of an influential gangster. A group of people, brought together by chance or a well-planned scheme, meet there. Big Mack runs business deals that are best left unquestioned. Terry Scyzoryk solves problems with force. Marry tries to keep control over the chaos, while Tania's patience with the men around her wears thinner by the minute. Complications mount when the mysterious Laura appears in the flat, attractive and intelligent, and rather too self-assured for a chance acquaintance. What seems like an innocent dinner turns into a series of misunderstandings, suspicions and increasingly absurd lies. Everyone pretends to be someone else and tries to avoid disaster, but one lie leads to another, and the intrigue spirals out of control.

The play relies on sharp dialogue, plot twists and situational humour. It features disguises, false identities, gangsters, financial scams and romantic complications. It shows how one ill-considered move sets off a chain of events no one can control, especially when money, love, jealousy and fear of being exposed are involved.

Production team: the premiere took place in September 2026.

• Director: Jerzy Bończak
• Translation: Elżbieta Woźniak
• Set design: Marek Chowaniec
• Costumes: Iga Sylwestrzak
• Music arrangement: Małgorzata Małaszko-Stasiewicz
• Casting: Agnieszka Niedojad
• Poster design: Oskar Sobolewski
• Production manager and assistant director: Monika Lewicka