If you’re looking to book a London show, ready for when theatres reopen, the accident-prone The Play That Goes Wrong is a definite winner. After the year we’ve all had, this Olivier Award-winning international hit is guaranteed to give you some laughs! Here’s everything you need to know about the rib-tickling show.
The backstory
Created by comedy troupe Mischief Theatre, it first premiered at London’s Old Red Lion Theatre in 2012. After a successful run, it moved to Trafalgar Studios in 2013. A UK tour quickly followed in 2014 comprising 17 venues including the Edinburgh Fringe. The tour was such a success, the show found a home at the Duchess Theatre in September of 2014 where it’s been playing ever since.
The hit slapstick show won the Best New Comedy Award at the 2015 Olivier Awards as well as rave reviews. The ever-growing popularity of the unique West End show led to it receiving a second UK tour and an Asia tour, as well as a Broadway transfer which earned the show a Tony Award for Scenic Design In A Play in 2017.
It has also been on a US tour, Australia tour and it’s played in France, Israel, and Italy.
What’s the show about?
The chaotic comedy follows the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society – an amdram group putting on a production of a 1920s murder mystery. But, as the show’s title may suggest, things don’t go as smoothly as they would have hoped. As the show progresses, things fall apart as the sets collapse, lines are forgotten and props go missing. But, as the saying goes, the show must go on… even if it limps to the final bow.
What age is it appropriate for?
The Play That Goes Wrong is recommended for audiences aged 8 and over.
How long is The Play That Goes Wrong?
The show has a run-time of 2 hours and 5 minutes including one interval. Performances are normally at 7.30pm Monday to Saturday, with a 7pm performance on Sunday and matinee performances at 2.30pm on Saturday and 3pm on Sunday.
Where is it playing?
The show will play at the Duchess Theatre on Covent Garden’s Catherine Street. The nearest stations are Covent Garden (500m) and Temple (600m). You can also get to the Duchess Theatre via overground train to London Charing Cross (650m).
Who is in The Play That Goes Wrong cast?
It originally starred the creators and founding members of Mischief theatre, Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields. They appeared in the show during its initial staging, the UK tour, and the start of the Duchess Theatre run. They’ve since left to star in their other creations, including Peter Pan Gone Wrong and The Comedy About A Bank Robbery.
Annie is played by Ciara Morris. Ciara trained at The Oxford School of Drama and has appeared in many productions in London including Goodnight Mr. Spindrift’ (The Old Red Lion) ‘Beast Quest’ (Hampton Court Palace and The Rose Theatre Kingston), RE:ACT The Woods (The Royal Court).
Trevor is played by Blayar Benn. Blayar trained at East 15 and Miskin Theatre. Since graduating in 2018, he has appeared on BBC’s Doctors and recently performed on stage in the UK tour of That Parking Show from the award-winning company Tangled Feet Ltd. He is delighted to be joining the cast of The Play That Goes Wrong which will be his first West End credit.
Chris is played by Ross Green. Since graduating at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, Ross has been cast in various West End theatre productions (Death of a Salesman (Royal Shakespeare Company); War Horse (National Theatre), film productions (Bohemian Rhapsody, Twentieth Century Fox; Alice in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass, Walt Disney Pictures; Suffragette, Ruby Films) and television (Babs, BBC ; Poldark, BBC; Lucky Man, Sky; The Café, Sky).
Jonathan is played by Elan James. Elan’s theatre credits include an impressive range of West End productions including War Horse (National Theatre); Roundelay (Southwark Playhouse); Handle With Care (Dante or Die); The Hairy Ape (The Old Vic); City of God (Theatre Royal Stratford East); War Horse (New London Theatre); Canticles (Frantic Assembly).
Dennis is played by Michael Keane. Michael trained at East 15 and is a member of award-winning improv comedy troupe BattleActs! and a comedy writer. He has appeared in stage shows such as Sonnet Walks and Shakespeare in the Abbey (Shakespeare’s Globe), The Boring Room (Vaults), The Revenger’s Tragedy (Nottingham Playhouse), Waiting for Godot (London Classic Theatre). You may also recognise him from the small screen having been cast in Doctor Who (BBC), The Witcher (Netflix), Mr. Turner (Thin Man Films), The Hollow Crown (BBC/Neal St), Warhol (Ditto Prods.) and more.
Robert is played by David Kirkbride. David has appeared in a number of productions across the country including Stop and Search (Arcola Theatre), Under Milk Wood (Northern Stage), Pinocchio (National Theatre), The Crucible (UK Tour), Robin Hood and Marian (New Vic Theatre), Shrapnel: 34 Fragments of a Massacre (Arcola), Othello (National Theatre) and many more! You might also recognise him from TV shows including; Doctors, Sherlock, Silent Witness, Holby City (BBC) Emmerdale, Steel River Blues (ITV) or from the movies; Enola Holmes, Crooked House, Lady Macbeth, Alvin Bramble.
Sandra is played by Ellie Morris. Ellie trained at LAMDA and is a member of Mischief Theatre . Her dazzling theatre credits include: Mischief Movie Night (Arts Theatre & UK tour) Rotterdam (Arts Theatre, Theatre E59, New York & UK Tour) The Comedy About A Bank Robbery (Criterion Theatre) Peter Pan Goes Wrong (Apollo Theatre) Lights! Camera! Improvise! (Duchess Theatre, Canal Cafe, Edinburgh for Mischief Theatre) and Spring Awakening (Outfox Productions). She has also appeared on TV in The Goes Wrong Show (BBC), Christmas Carol Goes Wrong (BBC), Peter Pan Goes Wrong (BBC)
Max is played by Milo Clarke. Milo has just recently graduated from ALRA London and is excited for his West End debut with Mischief Theatre. During his training he performed in many shows including Days Of Significance (Beth Flintoff); Posh (Josh Roche); Alice in Wonderland and Through The Looking Glass (Mark Maughan); Twelfth Night (Emma Gersch) and more. Other theatre experience also includes; The Alchemist (Sam Wannamaker Festival at The Globe); 24 Italian Song and Arias (The Yard Theatre); Beep (Afterthought Theatre); Copper and Steel (Theatre 503).
Will I like it?
It’s smart, it’s hilarious and it’s very, very silly. With a healthy dose of physical, theatrical and verbal comedy, there’s something for everything. Audiences of all ages will chuckle away throughout the show. And, really, who couldn’t do with a proper laugh right now?
Where can I buy tickets to The Play That Goes Wrong?
Right here with us! Just visit Official London Theatre’s The Play That Goes Wrong page to find the best available tickets for great prices.