Review: THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG, Opera House Manchester - UK tour
Photo credit: Robert Day
Just for a moment, rather than dwelling on the play that goes ‘wrong’, let’s dig a bit deeper and focus on what goes right - well, how long have you got?
Mischief are a force to be reckoned with and their opening show in Manchester proved just that. We are some of the lucky few who will get to witness the entire original cast revisiting roles they created ten years ago, back at the Old Red Lion pub in London, fresh out of drama school. The success that they have gone on to achieve is what dreams are made of and with new material still being produced, notably from the minds of Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, it seems they are only just getting started.
Whilst tours can change and evolve over the years, The Play That Goes Wrong exists as it did nearly a decade ago, however, the show is still as funny today as it was then. The sheer artistry and physicality needed to pull off such a production stems from its elite direction (Mark Bell and Sean Turner) and performers, both of which we are blessed with here. It may not have all of the bells and whistles that other large scale tours have these days but the material here speaks for itself.
For those who may not be familiar with Mischief’s original piece, the premise is this: Cornley Polytechnic Theatre Society are putting on a murder mystery entitled Murder at Haversham Manor. Through a series of mishaps and general mayhem, the play within a play unfolds but it is how the performers navigate their way towards the endgame that is the most entertaining.
At first glance, Nigel Hook’s set design appears simple yet functional but its intricacies are what makes it so much more. The set is a living, breathing character in itself, whereby the performers must react and respond from start to finish; some actions of which are remarkably dangerous but are managed meticulously by cast and crew.
From an apathetic lighting'/sound operator (Rob Falconer) to a charming novice applause-seeking performer (Dave Hearn); a stage manager (Nancy Zamit) feuding with the play’s leading lady (Charlie Russell) and a dyslexic butler (Jonathan Sayer), there is so much for the company to play with - and that they do! The entire company’s comedic timing, ability to communicate through body language alone, powerful use of pauses and nuanced performances are remarkable, with each person unable to work successfully without the other being on top form.
Mischief never cease to amaze with their talent and seemingly humbled by the electric response they received last night, there’s life in this old dog yet! #hasanyoneseenmydog?
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Jenny Ell
The Play That Goes Wrong continues to tour the UK until August 2022, with tickets for select touring venues available here.
Please note the original cast are only performing in Manchester and Newcastle.
