★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Reviewer - Becky

*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review

What an absolute chaotic delight! The Play That Goes Wrong is now in its ninth year in the West End and for all the right reasons! A crazy and hilarious experience for all the family, there are highlights and laugh-out-loud moments galore! With a classic murder mystery plot at its core, it is so much more than that. It has charm and a lovable cast that keeps you guessing what could possibly mess up next.

A Mischief Theatre production written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields delivers impeccable comedic timing and their writing is impeccable. The precision in-line delivery and stage directions for the cast are exceptional, they really need to be for the execution of this show. Ironically, if everything didn’t go smoothly the show wouldn’t go wrong, which is what we were hoping for. No punchline is unnecessary, no joke is overlooked, and there is no way you can’t be fully engaged throughout the performance.

The set design by Nigel Hook is one of the most important aspects of the show, including large set pieces to all the minor details. Nothing is irrelevant. You honestly never know what’s going to collapse or happen next! The theming is brilliant and aligns with what you would expect from a murder mystery, blended with an overriding atmosphere of a carry on movie. There’s always something that captivates the audience’s attention.

3. Keith Ramsay (Dennis) in The Play That Goes Wrong at the Duchess Theatre. Credit Robert Day..jpg

10. Iona Fraser (Annie) in The Play That Goes Wrong at the Duchess Theatre. Credit Robert Day..jpg

The roles are perfectly cast with standout roles from all involved. Most specifically, an honourable mention has to go to Keith Ramsay as Perkins the Butler. His facial expressions drew me in the whole time, he didn’t need to utter a single word without cracking out a laugh from the audience. Rolan Bell also gave a hysterical performance as Robert, trying to keep his cool through everything going wrong but failing very miserably and becoming the intense character of the show, further adding to the hilarious chaos. This was a West End debut for most of the cast this night, I truly would’ve believed they had been doing this show for years it was perfectly performed.

The physicality of the show is both intense and impressive. It truly must be a workout for all those involved. From the creative team to the cast, they don’t get a break at all. This doesn’t reflect in their energy or spirit in the slightest. If anything, the ante is constantly raised as the plot progresses. Remembering each and every detail of things “going wrong” is sheer talent. The applause was deafening at the end of the show's triumph!

Everything from costume to the set, to the cast to the writing was absolutely faultless. Absolutely hilarious from start to finish, my belly began to hurt from laughing so much. This really is a show not to be missed in London’s West End and I hope it continues to have success in the future.