The Play That Goes Wrong…

I’m back today with another theatre review, but quite surprisingly, this one actually isn’t a musical.  I’ve been curious about Mischief theatre company for a while and their productions have kept popping up and catching my eye.  Therefore, when Bristol Hippodrome invited me to their press night* I knew that I had to, and I am so glad that I saw it.

The Play that Goes Wrong is exactly what it claims to be, focusing on a theatre group that are putting on a murder mystery that goes hilariously wrong.  We watch through (Purposefully) terrible acting, characters getting knocked out and replaced mid-scene, the set falling apart, the lighting and music going wrong, and yet, through all of the above they push on regardless.  It was quite similar to a pantomime in the sense that the audience are able to interact and there’s a high level of slapstick comedy.  However, it appears to embody a pantomime with less of a cheesey nature.

I’m not the biggest fan of live comedies, but I loved this, inside and out.  There was something about the typically British nature of the jokes, and the way that the cast were able to play on the metatheatricality of it all that really made this something special and unique.  All the way through the production, I couldn’t help but think about the immense talent and planning that it would take to put on a production like this.  Yes, everything has to “go wrong”, but it should all be going wrong at specific times, and ensure that the actors remain safe on stage.  In some ways, the play that goes wrong only functions correctly if everything goes exactly to plan, and I admired that, a lot.

There were so many levels to this production and at the same time it was easy to enjoy as a simple lighthearted comedy.  Highlights, for me, included the chaos that ensued at the end, the moments involving Robert having to ensure the phone in spite of the set falling apart, and every scene that involved Trevor the sound engineer.  I honestly cannot sing the praises of The Play that Goes Wrong enough.  I am completely in awe of Mischief Theatre Company  and want to see everything that they do (I’ve already sorted out when I’m going to see the touring production of The Comedy About a Bank Robbery – one of their other works).  

I get a program whenever I go to a piece of theatre because I collect programs.  However, this is the first time I genuinely am telling you to go pick up a program. The program retains the same level of metatheatricality, providing it’s own entertainment and procing that this play just keeps on giving, even after it’s over.  If you have the chance to see it, please do!  It’s showing in the West End regularly, touring in Bristol until Saturday 21st July 2018, and then the tour continues to make its way around the UK!  You can check the dates out here.

If you can get a ticket, I strongly recommend.  I may not be the biggest fan of live comedy, but the Play That Goes Wrong definitely went right in my books.

Have you seen it?  Are you planning to?  Let me know in the comments!

Lots of love,

Jas xx

 

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*DISCLAIMER* This review is not sponsored, but I was given a complimentary ticket to see this show.  However, that does not affect the integrity of my review.  All my thoughts and opinions are my own and I always work to keep my reviews genuine and honest.