REVIEW: The Play That Goes Wrong at the Duchess Theatre

Entering the auditorium of the Duchess Theatre, the actors come to the auditorium and tidy up the stage, fix the props (and fail), and sometimes ask the audience for help. As the lights dim, we begin to see the performance of The Murder at Haversham Manor by the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society. Progressively, as the director (played by Daniel Cech-Lucas) introduces us to the show, we realise that this is the play that goes wrong. During the performance, all the worst nightmares you could think of happening in a play happen. This includes actors missing cues, mispronouncing the lines, props falling off, and actors getting injured and being knocked unconscious. As you think the play couldn't get any worse, in the second act, the stage starts to fall apart even more as the play reaches the end. While the state of the play decreases, the laughter in the auditorium rises throughout the whole night.

Formed in 2008, Mischief Theatre has several acclaimed works throughout the years. The Play That Goes Wrong, first created by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields in 2014, portrays a play within a play that instantly spurs the audience's joy from the first second to the last. 

The set design cleverly creates multiple unexpected technical shifts that gradually layer throughout the play. One of the special moments is when the first floor in the set, which is a plank that's above the stage, starts to tilt, and Robert (played by Rolan Bell) on top is trying to reach the landline without falling out of the plank while securing the pieces of furniture with his body. The whole act seems like a tribute to the silent film era with no dialogue, and the audience watches Robert try to maintain the character in the play and reach for the edge of the plank as excitement, thrill, and waves of laughter fill the room.

The whole company on stage, throughout the performance, lifts the room's energy and stays connected to the audience as they drive the show forwards. A special mention would go to the performance of Ross Virgo, who plays Max. His clowning ability and how he stays free and playful throughout the performance are a delight to watch.

The two hours long play never fails to have a dull moment throughout. With jokes that are appreciable to all ages, it is definitely entertainment for everyone.

Review by Jenru Wang

Rating: ★★★★★

Seat: Stalls, J12 | Price of Ticket: £27.50 - £69.50