The Play That Goes Wrong at the Duchess Theatre Review
The Play That Goes Wrong
Duchess Theatre, London
Booking until 14 February 2016
Reviewed by Sandra McGhee
I was delighted to review The Play That Goes Wrong on behalf of What’s Good To Do, even more so than usual to be chosen to be invited with my guest to attend The Duchess Theatre, situated in Catherine Street near Aldwych. This was my first visit to this theatre which opened on 25 November 1929 and is one of the smallest West End Theatres, with 495 seats and also one of the most recently built with a proscenium arch.
On entrance to the theatre in the foyer you instantly noticed the beautiful restoration of the facade and character, the lovely clean stonework, the highlighted escutcheons around the windows and shining gold leaf of the name.
Once we took our seats in the stalls, row J, I felt like we were in a tiny cinema, it felt very cosy almost like being in a large living room. As the auditorium was so small you had a perfect view wherever you sat. I really liked this and the ambience.
Anyway a few minutes before the play started there was a load of commotion going on which was all part of the act, this was to confuse everyone and was certainly successful in creating confusion. A guest was invited to come up on stage and help this was all part of the act and was absolutely hilarious! I think he thought what the hell was going to happen next, so so funny.
The play was called The Murder of Haversham Manor which was a 1920’s murder mystery and anything that can go wrong does. It reminded me with a similarity to Mousetrap (a fantastic play) which I was lucky to have reviewed also when celebrating its 60th birthday last year. The cast were a drama group called the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society. It was obvious they had rehearsed for a number of weeks/months. The acting techniques were superb. From within a few minutes of the play taking place there was instant laughter from the audience, this continued all the way through the first act and again after the interval in the second act when the mystery got solved. A lot of hard work had been put into this play acting the scenes. I will not mention too much because I would not want to spoil anything. A close friend of mine went to see this a few months ago and she highly recommended it, I can see why, if you fancy a good laugh, this is the medicine you need. Non-stop laughing, you will be in stiches (aching with laughter), so much slapstick humour you are so transfixed to your chairs you really don’t know what is going to happen next. Probably only 1 or 2 spare seats in sight, which was great to see a theatre full to the brim and buzzing on a Tuesday evening.
Every member of the cast were brilliant, my favourites were Florence Colleymore, I think my 10 year old daughter would love her. She played her character so well, just brilliant. The evening was certainly memorable. From the Director, Designers, Costume Designer, Casting and Producer, all I can say is what a perfect combination creating such an original play. It’s definitely a bit Fawlty Towers. Lots of gasps from the audience when the mezzanine level of the stage collapsed! The play certainly finished with a bang. Great work.
Overall, we had a wonderful evening. It was comedy at its best. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to friends. A super play, absolutely hilarious. If you want a guaranteed night of laughter, this is the perfect medicine!
Another one to look out for Peter Pan Goes Wrong, I will definitely consider taking my daughter to see this.
Rating: 4.5/5
Tickets cost from £20 to £67 (booking fees may apply).
The Play That Goes Wrong is playing until September 2015. For more details or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 412 4659.
The Duchess Theatre. 3-5 Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5LA | 0844 412 4659
