Comedy

  • Fringe Festival

Pope Benedict the IX

The hilariously unpredictable antics of history's most notorious teenage pope.

Sri Lankan Man in red and white pope costume adorned with an ornate cross necklace, cheekily smiles at camera in front of bright red background.
Sri Lankan Man in red and white pope costume adorned with an ornate cross necklace in front of bright red background. He sexily bites at a tassel from his hat while sultrily looking into the camera.
Sri Lankan Man in red and white pope costume adorned with an ornate cross necklace, sits forlornly in front of bright red background.
Past Event

Image Credit: Nick Robertson

Sri Lankan Man in red and white pope costume adorned with an ornate cross necklace, cheekily smiles at camera in front of bright red background.
Sri Lankan Man in red and white pope costume adorned with an ornate cross necklace in front of bright red background. He sexily bites at a tassel from his hat while sultrily looking into the camera.
Sri Lankan Man in red and white pope costume adorned with an ornate cross necklace, sits forlornly in front of bright red background.

  • Performed by: Pedro Cooray

  • Directed by: Andy Balloch

  • Produced by: Soothplayers

Have you ever wanted something so badly only to find that when you got it you didn't want it after all? Imagine that "something" is a job, and that job is being the Pope!

Benedict the Ninth (born 1012 AD) was the only person in history to be Pope more than once—and now he’s back for another try. In this actual historical tale told through sketch, storytelling, and a dubious Italian accent, discover how an 18-year-old vapid gay party boy became the most powerful man in Europe... three times.

Pedro is a cast member of Channel Ten's "Thank God You're Here" and a key player in the award-nominated Soothplayers, known for 'Completely Improvised Potter,' 'Completely Improvised Shakespeare,' and 'Completely Improvised Survivor,' which have wowed sold-out crowds across Australia. He also performs with The Big HOO-HAA!, Melbourne's longest-running and best-loved weekly improv show.

Praise for Soothplayers
"A sure bet" Herald Sun
"Supremely talented" Stage Whispers
"Hysterical, ingenious and riveting" Shakespeare OZ