The Patron's Return - a hastily produced comedy without state support

Mecenatens återkomst is a dark comedy written and directed by Gertrud Larsson, divinely inspired by the parliamentary debate on the culture budget on 4 December 2024. On stage are Gertrud Larsson, Anna-Lena Efverman and Jenny Svenberg. The production revels in rapid-fire jokes, homemade bombs and evil, sudden death - set to music from skillingtryck, Tchaikovsky and spiritual classics.

The show played to packed houses at Teater Brunnsgatan Fyra in spring and autumn 2025 and is now touring Sweden in spring 2026. In summer 2025, Gertrud Larsson debated culture minister Parisa Liljestrand on the culture pages of Expressen about arts funding.

Some press voices:
"Sharp satire on the conditions of artists" - Sara Granath, SvD
"A laugh fest!" - Lisa Bergström, P1 Kultur
"Humour without safety nets and lifelines" - David Färdigh, Smålandsposten
"A breathtaking satirical show puts its finger on exactly here and now" - Fredrik Björkman, Arbetarbladet
"Gertrud Larsson gets the whole room roaring with laughter" - Selma Brodrej, ETC

Script and direction: Gertrud Larsson. Graphic design and trailer: Jenny Svenberg. Stage photography: Alina Harmash.