Get your laughs with The Play That Goes Wrong

REVIEW: You might be forgiven that even the title The Play That Goes Wrong gives it all away, for this fun theatre production currently touring Australia. Far from it. It is just the smallest insight into the what is about to happen when you settle into your seats. And believe me, it will make you laugh.

So what is it all about? The fictional Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society presents The Murder at Haversham Manor. As the Basil Fawlty-like director Chris Bean (played by Nick Simpson-Deeks, from Underbelly, Wentworth, Winners & Losers, City Homicide) explains, the society has had troubles in the past but he hopes all that is behind him with their latest production… How wrong he is. If you have ever played a role in a production, on any level, you may have feared what might go wrong. In this 1920’s murder mystery it does. Missed cues, mangled lines, missing props are only the beginning. But as they say, the show must go on, and it does, despite it all. That’s what makes it even funnier. 

Written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, there is more than just the words that make this a great play. It is also the comic timing and the choreography that makes this work. And for all the brilliance of the actors, it is really the stage setting that is the star of the show. When you see how the play unfolds you will understand why.

The Play That Goes Wrong stars Brooke Satchwell (Neighbours, Play School, Wonderland), James Marlow (who also featured in the West End version of the production), Luke Joslin, George Kemp, Tammy Weller and Darcy Brown.  Special mention goes to Adam Dunn (Packed to the Rafters, Wildboys) as Trevor, the lighting and sound operator.

Just a few tips

• Arrive early. There is a lot going on in this production even before the official start.
• Be prepared for laughter. Lots of it. From yourself and everyone around you.
• Don’t be late. If you are, you might just end up as part of the show.

Described as Fawlty Towers meets Noises Off, The Play That Goes Wrong, now in its third sold-out year in the West End, opened on Broadway just a few weeks ago and is currently on a national Australian tour, already shown in Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra and one season in Sydney. See it in Brisbane now until May 14, back in Sydney from May 16 to 21 then in Perth from May 31 to June 11. All ages will enjoy this show.

The Play That Goes Wrong is so right.

Are you a fan of this type of comedy?