The Play That Goes Wrong
Rating: ★★★★★
Venue: Duchess Theatre, London
Cast: Jordan Akkaya, Daniel Anthony, Joe Bolland, Daniel Fraser, Billie Hamer, Owen Jenkins, Jay Olpin and Hannah Sinclair Robinson

You all know the classic whodunnit story, there has been a murder at a country manor and an inspector is set on the case to find who the culprit is. However, when this plot is given to the accident-prone thespians at The Cornley Drama Society, everything that can go wrong... does!

The actors and crew battle against all odds to make it through to their final curtain call, with hilarious consequences! Do you ever find out who murdered Charles Haversham? You’ll have to see for yourself!

There are few productions that can truly stand the test of time and feel as fresh to audiences as it did a decade ago, but the 10 year anniversary celebrations of The Play That Goes Wrong proves it's still as rip-roaring good fun as the day it opened. The play, written by Jonathan Sayer, Henry Shields and Henry Lewis, is the longest running comedy currently in the West End, and it's not difficult to see why.

The play follows the story of  amateur theatre group Cornley Drama Society as they take on a production of Murder at Haversham Manor; a classic whodunnit. As the title suggests, everything that could go wrong, does. What follows is a series of ridiculously over-the-top, completely farcical events. On paper, it shouldn't work, but under the direction of Mark Bell, the production absolutely thrives. It's silly, on-the-nose humour - but somehow manages to be pure comedy genius.

While this was my first visit to a Mischief production, the sense of community was overwhelming and the welcome from the fans of show, as well as previous cast members was wonderful to become a part of over the evening.

While the entire cast are to be commended, a standout performance was Daniel Anthony as the utterly loveable Dennis. He portrayed the character in such a naïve and innocent manner that it was difficult to not warm to him instantly. His comedic timing elicited the most laughs from me but I think that's the beauty of the show, it feels as though each character has been crafted to suit various types of humour. Another standout was Jordan Akkaya as Trevor, who was very much still in character during our interactions at the interval!

Nigel Hook's set design is nothing short of exceptional. What appears as a basic set of the interior of a manor must be quite frankly one of the most complex and elaborate sets I've ever seen. There are so many elements interwoven in the set to ensure everything that goes wrong happens at the right time, in a safe but believable way.

British theatre has never been as brilliant, and it's no wonder that The Play That Goes Wrong is celebrating its 10th year in the West End...and I predict it'll be around for many years to come! Chaotic silliness presented by a wickedly funny cast, with an incredible community at its core.

You can book tickets to The Play That Goes Wrong, here.

**photo credit: Danny Kaan**