The Comedy about Spies at Noel Coward Theatre

Written by Amelia for Theatre & Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review

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Mischief Theatre was formed 17 years ago by former students of Lamda Drama School and has been taking the world by storm ever since. Their smash hit The Play That Goes Wrong has cemented itself as a long runner in the West End, with a transfer to Broadway, endless awards and even a performance in front of royalty. There have been many further shows to follow, including favourites like Peter Pan Goes Wrong and Mind Mangler, and their story seems as if it will continue to go on for a very long time. Their newest accolade comes in the form of A Comedy About Spies at the Noël Coward Theatre, and is as formidable as ever. 

The opening scene sets the tone for the rest of the piece with a sketch that seems simple on the surface, but it actually a work of genius. I don’t want to reveal any spoilers because it’s too good to ruin, but if you’re buying tickets for anything, it’s these 5 minutes alone.  

Henry Lewis and Henry Shields are absolutely on the money with this script. The comedy never stops, and they somehow make even the most obvious of jokes appear outlandish. This, coupled with standout performances by both, only highlights how Mischief is slowly taking over the world. Shields is giving Basil Fawlty realness as Bernard, with an awkward charm that radiates off every other character. Lewis is hilarious as ever as the eccentric Douglas Woodbead, getting all the laughs even in the background scenes. The whole premise identifies what it means to be an outstanding ensemble piece, and there was no need for fancy leads or overpowering characters, just pure comedy at its finest. 

The ending only kept getting better and better,  as when you thought you’d figured it all out, another plot twist is thrown at the audience. How they come up with all these twists (that do actually make sense) is beyond me. To write a comedy is one thing, but to write a comedy with a coherent yet totally mad story is another. The story is layered with so many elements that come together beautifully at the end and never stops keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. 

The set design by David Farley, with props by Propworks, couldn’t have been any better. The Noël Coward stage isn’t the biggest and I was intrigued to see how they were going to make use of it. I can confidently say they rinsed every inch of that stage for what it’s worth. The four bedrooms of the hotel were especially impressive and only enhanced to magic and chaos of the script.

You know a show is good when the standing ovation is not just immediate, but almost a reflex; I honestly can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t enjoy this show. It’s not crude or reliant on expletives, it just is what it is - and that is perfect. As a reviewer, it is vital to look at a production from every angle. There’s been plenty of theatre over the years that has rightfully earned five stars, but very little that I’ve come away from with no notes. This is the best play of recent years. 

Grab your trench coat, magic umbrella and wife-brimmed hat and get yourself down to the Noël Coward before September 5th to catch The Comedy About Spies!

★★★★★