The Play That Goes Wrong Review

By Jude

It was a pleasure to be invited to the Media night of the 11th West end cast of The Murder at Haversham Manor, sorry, I mean The Play That Goes Wrong, at the Duchess Theatre.

The Play That Goes Wrong is, quite simply, a play that goes wrong. But beneath the surface chaos lies a brilliantly crafted production. The fictional am-dram Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society attempts to stage their murder mystery, The Murder at Haversham Manor, only for everything that could possibly go wrong to do exactly that. Props break, lines are flubbed, cues are missed, and the set becomes as much a character as the actors themselves. It’s every theatre-maker’s worst nightmare played out for maximum laughs, and true to the phrase, “the show must go on,” the cast powers through the madness. It’s the pinnacle of a show within a show, meta to the max.

Mischief Comedy has firmly cemented itself as one of the most talented comedic companies working across stage and screen, bringing joyful, intelligent comedy to audiences worldwide. Having seen the show in both English and French, its universal appeal is clear. Even without full fluency, the show remains consistently hilarious, a testament to the clarity of its physical comedy and the brilliance of the writing.

That said, having seen the show multiple times over the years, I find that some comedic moments lose a bit of their punch simply because I know exactly what’s coming. Part of what makes this show so funny is the element of surprise, and once those beats become familiar, the impact can soften. It’s still an enjoyable experience, but for repeat viewers, it may not hit with quite the same explosive energy as the first time.

The cast’s performances are nothing short of remarkable, blending razor-sharp comedic timing with physical agility and controlled chaos. From pratfalls to slapstick, misdelivered lines to deadpan reactions, the ensemble’s skill is as impressive as the script’s layered absurdity.

For some, the idea of watching things go wrong on stage might trigger second-hand stress, but for me, it’s a brilliant reminder of what makes live theatre so powerful. It’s a medium where mistakes happen, but the magic lies in how performers carry on. The Play That Goes Wrong leans fully into this idea, transforming failure into an art form. It’s not only a showcase of comic talent but also a metaphor: life is unpredictable, but the show must go on.

It’s superbly clever, and you’re undoubtedly in for a comedy of errors when it comes to this play. Having entertained audiences for 10 years, The Play That Goes Wrong clearly proves its lasting appeal. Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, you’re in for a night of pure chaos, brilliant writing, and impeccable comedy.

4 stars.