Expert Review: Comedy Gold That Actually Goes Right

4.8
★★★★★

Expert Rating

The Verdict

The Play That Goes Wrong is a masterclass in controlled chaos - a brilliantly orchestrated disaster that proves sometimes the best way to do something right is to do it completely wrong. Mischief Theatre has created a comedy phenomenon that combines slapstick, farce, and perfectly timed physical comedy into one of the funniest shows you'll ever see.

What Makes It Special

  • Precision Comedy: Every "mistake" is perfectly choreographed - the skill required to make things look this wrong is extraordinary.
  • Interactive Fun: The chaos begins before the show even starts, with the "technical rehearsal" and pre-show announcements setting the tone.
  • Physical Comedy Mastery: Stunning displays of physical theatre, from collapsing sets to bodies flying through doors.
  • Universal Appeal: Works for all ages - children love the slapstick while adults appreciate the clever writing and theatrical in-jokes.

Perfect For

Anyone who needs a good laugh! Perfect for families, date nights, theatre newcomers, and comedy fans. Ideal for cheering someone up or creating a memorable night out. Works brilliantly for both theatre lovers and those who think they don't like theatre.

Everything You Need to Know

A Play Within a Play... That Falls Apart

The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society is attempting to perform their 1920s murder mystery "The Murder at Haversham Manor." Unfortunately, everything that can go wrong does go wrong - sets collapse, actors forget their lines, props don't work, and the show descends into hilarious chaos.

What to Expect

  • A murder mystery that becomes a comedy mystery
  • Sets that collapse in spectacular fashion
  • Actors who can't remember their lines or hit their marks
  • Props that have a mind of their own
  • Sound and lighting cues that come at all the wrong moments
  • Audience interaction and fourth wall breaks

The Genius Behind the Chaos

  • Mischief Theatre: Founded by graduates from LAMDA who started performing in a pub
  • Precise Choreography: Every "accident" is meticulously planned and rehearsed
  • Set Design: Multiple backup versions of every set piece to account for nightly "disasters"
  • Cast Training: Actors undergo extensive physical theatre and safety training
  • Improvisation: While the framework is set, actors must adapt when real things go wrong
  • Awards: Olivier Award for Best New Comedy and Tony Award nominations

Fun Fact: The show has spawned an entire franchise including "Peter Pan Goes Wrong," "The Comedy About a Bank Robbery," and Christmas specials on BBC TV.

Practical Information

Show Times

  • Monday-Saturday: 7:30pm
  • Wednesday & Saturday: 2:30pm matinee
  • Sunday: 3:00pm (selected dates)
  • Note: Check for special Sunday evening performances

Getting There

  • Tube: Covent Garden (3 mins), Holborn (7 mins)
  • Train: Charing Cross (10 min walk)
  • Bus: Routes 1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 76, 168, 171, 188
  • Parking: NCP Covent Garden or Q-Park Covent Garden

What to Expect

  • The show starts before it officially starts - arrive on time!
  • Audience participation - you might be asked to help
  • Very loud noises and surprise moments
  • Perfect for all ages but some younger children might find crashes startling