The Play That Goes Wrong: 10th Anniversary – Duchess Theatre, London

Writers: Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields

Director: Mark Bell

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, The Play That Goes Wrong, co-written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, continues to deliver a masterclass in comedy with its trademark blend of irony, slapstick humour, and predictability. The play thrives on its ability to keep audiences both rolling their eyes and laughing heartily at the absurdity of its on-stage mishaps.

From the outset, the play engages with the audience through interactive elements, setting a tone that invites viewers to embrace the chaos and revel in the ridiculousness. This interaction serves as a prelude to the hilariously flawed performance that follows, creating a comfortable space for the audience to laugh at the unfolding nonsense.

Director Mark Bell presents both a varied yet repetitive performance by introducing character motifs and traits which are consistent throughout, as well as dramatic mishaps, such as doors being slammed in faces or actors running into poles. There are moments when the humour leans a bit too far towards predictability, with some jokes lingering a bit longer than necessary. However, the majority of the comedy is well-crafted, with punchlines effectively tied to the characters’ established traits and recurring gags.

While Nigel Hook’s set might initially appear basic and mainstream, it reveals itself to be a complex and integral part of the comedy. The seemingly simple set becomes a character in its own right, amplifying the comedic potential as things go hilariously wrong. The risks associated with the set’s malfunctions add layers to the comedy, ensuring that the accidents are both surprising and entertaining.

A standout performance comes from Jay Olpin who plays Max. His naivety and innocence shine through as he is vulnerable yet engaging with the audience. His commitment to the role and his ability to connect with the audience makes his character both endearing and funny, especially when he makes mistakes or breaks out of his character.

Another notable performance comes from Jordan Akkaya, who plays Trevor, the stage director. This role adds a meta-theatrical layer to the performance by being part of the action. His role from the box, which is set within the audience, enhances the feeling of a performance within a performance, further blurring the lines between reality and theatre. His nonchalant attitude supports the comedy of moments that go wrong on stage as he misses cues and plays the wrong sounds.

Although not a rehearsed aspect of the play, the audience heckling throughout the performance enriches the experience, with the actors skilfully incorporating these interruptions into the show without breaking character. This responsiveness draws the audience deeper into the comedic world and allows them to feel involved in the action. The use of improvisation is effective and adds to the comedic effect of the nature of the play.

Overall, The Play That Goes Wrong remains a brilliantly crafted comedy that celebrates its 10th anniversary with a perfect blend of slapstick humour, audience interaction, and innovative staging. It continues to captivate and entertain, proving that even after a decade, the play’s chaotic charm remains irresistible.

Booking until 1 February 2025