The Play That Goes Wrong, The Lowry Salford Review

Reviewed by Hannah Chan

Wow. Honestly I could just write wow and stop there, but I won’t. This show was excellent from start to finish and I highly recommend it.

I wasn’t really sure what to expect, apprehensive after Covid and not knowing The Lyric theatre too well. I was quickly reassured with parking being easy, right next door and only a 2 minute walk, and the setting for the theatre beautiful with the lights reflecting off the water.

As we entered the theatre they did a bag check and I purchased a program. My friend and I were in within a few minutes, no waiting at all, it was really efficient and plenty of friendly staff on hand. Programs were £5 and I am so glad I purchased one because of the extra bits of humour inside by the cast as they advertise their * show * Murder at Haversham Manor.

I was a little nervous but they had a mask policy inside the foyer area so even though it was crowded it was comforting they had thought to keep it even though Covid testing before the event wasn’t mandatory. The décor was bright! I mean bright! Red and orange with purple but I loved it, it worked really well. I also particularly liked the ramped floors down to the toilets, providing good accessibility and the toilets themselves were large and spotless.

We were seated in fantastic seats, right in the middle of the middle row, directly opposite the stage which looked like a scene from The Twilight Zone. Music was playing which got increasingly more dramatic as we waited. The only thing that bothered me a little was the fabric on the arm of the chair had frayed slightly and was scratchy rubbing against my bare arm but it was very quickly forgotten about when I covered it with my cardigan. It certainly didn’t distract from those on stage who were absolutely superb.

The Play That Goes Wrong is in it’s 6th year in London and has been very well received. Having high praise from the likes of Joanna Lumley and Ant and Dec. I really didn’t know what to expect and when reading what comedy critics thought of it I worried it wouldn’t live up to expectations. It really did. The show was supposed to begin at 7.45pm, however the cast entertained the audience a little with a sketch, interacting and getting the crowd warmed up as the last of the audience arrived. We were then treated to a quick introduction from Chris Bean played by Tom Bulphett. Hilarious.

I won’t give too much away as excited as I am to share it with you, you really must go and see it yourself. The play follows the antics of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama society as they put on their first proper play, Murder at Haversham Manor. As events unfold, you won’t be able to keep from laughing for long as the on stage mistakes, accidents, actors forgetting lines, parts of the stage falling down just keep happening. One after another. The whole show is a disaster. It’s not just one mistake, its mistake after mistake and they keep on coming. You barely get a moment to breathe before you’re laughing again.

The star of the show for me was Leonard Cook, who played Robert, who played Thomas Colleymore! The way he used his voice to change the meaning of his lines, adding implication and his emotions without changing his actual words in scenes was just brilliant. His facial expressions conveying exactly what we would expect him to. The whole team were fantastic but for me this guy took the show from being excellent to being outstanding. The show also wouldn’t have been the same without the dramatic presence of April Hughes, who played Sandra, who played Florence Colleymore.

If I had to compare it to something I had seen (Which is difficult as it really is unique) I would go with something like Fawlty Towers. It has those same frustrating yet expected scenarios which are still funny when they happen. The whole play taking a twist as some of the cast regularly swapping with stand ins which changes the dynamic of the production. The cast of Cornely Polytechnic are desperately trying to complete their play despite everything *going wrong *. The show really must go on.

If you’re thinking of taking children, I feel this show is suitable but perhaps take older ones only (8+ bracket). The length of the show being just over 2 hours, loud noises and the concepts of murder even though mocked on stage might be too much for very young ones. There is no swearing and any on scene violence done in a comic and over acted way. Saying that though, my 6 year old who is a huge fan of shows like Mr Bean would have absolutely loved the show itself, but the seated auditorium environment for that length of time would have been a bit much for him so that’s something to consider if taking young ones. Plus they need to be able to see the stage properly over the person in front of them, or they might miss some of the antics. I’d 100% take him in an open air environment or when he’s a little older if they’re still touring with this particular show.

As for The Lowry, The Lyric theatre, as a venue I would love to bring him to one of their child focused shows. I feel the environment is safe and well managed which post pandemic is comforting. It really was lovely to be back in the theatre again. Now I have been, The Lowry have helped me to be confident in bringing the family out to a show in the future.

Mischief Comedy, the group behind the hilarity, really are a fascinating bunch. I took the time to have a read up about them and their other works here https://mischiefcomedy.com/ .

Exiting the venue was quick and easy, plenty of doors, staff and no bottle necks or crowds. The only queue we experienced was that for the parking machine.

Rating: A very easy 5/5 stars. I’d give them all a 10 if I could.

Tickets cost from £25 (plus £2 transaction fee). The Play That Goes Wrong is at The Lowry, Salford from Tuesday 17th August- Sunday 22nd August, so you still have time to see it here before they move on! For more information or to book tickets visit https://thelowry.com/whats-on/the-play-that-goes-wrong/
or call the box office on 0343 208 6000

The Lowry, The Quays, Salford M50 3AZ