The Comedy About A Bank Robbery – Liverpool Empire

Writer: Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, Henry Shields

Director: Mark Bell

Reviewer: Phoebe Patrick

Mischief Theatre are back, after the runaway success of The Play that Goes Wrong and the seasonal hit Peter Pan Goes Wrongwriters Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields have set their sights away from the on-stage madness of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society and refocused their creative genius on the heist movie genre.

While the shift in focus of subject matter may have moved, the fierce farce and comic creativity still reigns supreme as we follow the exploits of Mitch (Liam Jevons) as he breaks out of Jail with the help of Cooper (David Coomber) and plan to steal a precious diamond which is held in the bank ran by Cooper’s father. Of course, with this being a farce, things never run smoothly. A raft of mistaken identities and a concoction of fast-paced entrance and exits help keep the laughter rolling and the interest high.

It has to be said, that in comparison to other productions from the same company, The Comedy About A Bank Robberytakes a little while to warm up, but once the pistons are fully lubricated then all systems really are go! A stunning set design by David Farley literally turns everything upside down in a second act theatrical coup, that leaves its cast as well as its audience short of breath.

The cast is on the whole excellent, but it’s a criminally excellent performance by Jon Trenchard as the put-upon Warren Slax who really steals the show. He balances perfect physical comedy with a warm and light-hearted character that never fails to gain the audience’s approval and sympathy.

Director Mark Bell infuses the piece with a number of songs that help set the tone and era of the piece and while they may not be pitch perfect they do their job effectively and help the audience travel back in time.

The Comedy About A Bank Robbery is a witty, delightful and freshly funny comic caper, that will have even the hardest of criminals not only cracking safes but smiles aplenty too.

Runs until 8 June 2019 | Image: Robert Day