REVIEW: The Play That Goes Wrong, at Milton Keynes Theatre

Theatre review by Hannah Richardson
The Play That Goes WrongThe Play That Goes Wrong
The Play That Goes Wrong

I’m not sure how to tell you about The Show That Goes Wrong without spoiling some of the show’s many shocks and surprises.

The clue to what it’s about is in the name. It’s the tale of a hapless am dram performance – The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society’s production of Murder at Haversham Manor – where every single thing that could possible go wrong, does.

We’ve all been there, those of us who have ever trod the boards in an amateur capacity, but hopefully not like this.

All the pitfalls are there, from falling scenery and doors that won’t open to mis-timed entries, fluffed lines and rebellious crew members.

But that’s just for starters.

This is hilarious physical comedy, demanding split-second timing and real physical courage from the cast.

Some of the stunts looked downright painful, although they were also painfully funny.

The sell-out audience was roaring with laughter as the shocks kept coming, as the accident-prone thespians battled on against all the odds, driven by desperation to become ever more daring.

At one point I literally screamed out loud – but I won’t spoil the surprise by telling you why.

Winning the 2014 Whatsonstage.com Award for Best New Comedy, the 2015 Broadway World UK Award for Best New Play and the 2015 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy, The Play That Goes Wrong is now enjoying its third year in the West End.

The Mischief Theatre production directed by Mark Bell is on tour at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday.

For the chance of box office returns, call 0844 871 7652 or see www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes