Multi award-winning, Edinburgh-festival favourite and internationally acclaimed touring actor and playwright Pip Utton is returning from his world travels to opening a new show in his home town of Frome. Pip will be offering audiences at the Merlin Theatre the chance to see two shows in one night as, hot off the press, comes the announcement that, in tandem with the already-schedule production of 'Einstein' this truly accomplished actor will premier his self-penned one-man show 'Popes' on the same evening.

For those new to the work of Pip Utton, it is worth noting that, widely considered to be one of this country's most respected solo performers, this highly experience and most entertaining actor has brought to life Adolf Hitler, Francis Bacon, Charlie Chaplin, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Margaret Thatcher to name but some of his characters.

The upcoming evening in Frome will commence with 'Einstein', bringing to life probably the most famous scientist of all time; a man who was also a musician, a politician, a human rights campaigner and a 'deeply religious Jew who doesn't believe in God'.

After a short interval audiences will be treated to the world premier or 'Popes', Pip's latest show, taking a sideways look at the history of the papacy from St. Peter to today's Pope Francis. The show considers a group of men, stretching back almost 2000 years, who have fascinated us for centuries; feared, loved, hated, murdered, made Saints and still holding the world in thrall today.

Among the revealing stories we learn about Stephen VI who had his predecessor dug up from his grave and, despite being dead, put on trial for heresy before chopping off his fingers and throwing his body into the river Tiber. John XII made a 10 year-old boy into a Bishop, turned the Papal palace into a brothel, raped pilgrims and was probably killed by the jealous husband of one of his mistresses. Benedict IX was Pope three times and John XXIII, Gregory XII and Benedict XIII were all Popes at the same time. Urban VI complained that his Cardinals didn't scream loud enough when punished. And that's not to mention Alexander VI, the Borgia Pope.

In much more than an entertaining romp through the scandals, Pip confronts the possible struggles and challenges faced by Popes through the ages, asking do Popes still have a place in our lives today? Do they still have power and influence? More importantly: should they?

To join the audience for the now-scheduled 2 shows in one evening (price remains unchanged with tickets starting at £10.50) you can see 'Einstein' and 'Popes' at the Merlin Theatre, Frome on Saturday 29th February at 7.30pm. Tickets can be bought online at www.merlintheatre.co.uk by phoning 01373 465949 or in person at the box office.