Interview: Ciara Morris on performing in Mischief’s THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG

Photo credit: Robert Day

Mischief Theatre have enjoyed worldwide success with their productions, from Peter Pan Goes Wrong to Mischief Movie Night to The Comedy About A Bank Robbery, with their original offering The Play That Goes Wrong still playing to packed audiences in the West End.

We spoke to Ciara Morris who plays Annie in the London production about returning to the stage post-lockdown.

Firstly and most importantly, how are you and how have the last 16 months been for you on a personal and professional level?

It's been the most bonkers year for everyone, and I found a lot of it really tough. Professionally, watching the industry completely shut down was heart breaking. I felt so lucky knowing I had a job to go back to, but the uncertainty around that was really hard at times. It probably wasn't the most productive time for me... but I've decided that surviving a global pandemic is productive enough! I'm just thrilled that we're beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and being back to work is amazing. 

You opened in the West End on 18 June. How does it feel to be back performing in front of a live audience?

It really is incredible. I thought it would be really overwhelming, but it was just overwhelmingly lovely! After such a long time away, it's just amazing to be back doing the thing that I missed so much during lockdown. It has made me appreciate it so much more and being in front of a live audience is such a privilege during this time. Even more now, we all just want to make sure the audience have an absolute blast and are able to just have a really fun time after such a tough year. 

The Play That Goes Wrong is a laugh a minute but have you noticed any differences in the audience response since reopening post-shutdown?

I think people are even more up for it this time around. You can just feel the energy between the audience and the cast - it can be electric. In the early stages, it was almost a bit emotional because we could tell the audience were just so pleased for us to be back, and we were even more pleased that the audience had come out to support the industry and to have a great night out. It really is the perfect tonic to the absolute madness of the last year. To be given the permission to laugh out loud, and not have to be polite or restrained with that laughter, is really freeing. I feel like audiences are relishing that freedom even more post-covid. 

Acting for comedy is an art form in itself. Have you found it tricky having to 'act badly' in this production?!

Well, I play the stage manager of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society so my character doesn't have to act (no spoilers…). A few of the characters are actually really good actors - Sandra, Robert and Chris in particular. I think at the heart of it, the desire for all the characters to put on The Murder at Haversham Manor outweighs any questionable acting.  No one wants to come and see two hours of bad acting! So I think main thing is that everyone is trying really hard.  

Being such a high intensity show, how do you prepare yourself both physically and mentally ahead of a performance?

It can be really intense, especially from Friday evening to Sunday evening, doing 5 shows in 3 days can be tough! Eating well and regular exercise definitely helps me. Although, I also eat a worryingly high amount of sweets! A solid warm up, caffeine, and lots of fun and games with the cast is how we all get through it. We play a game at the start of every show called '3 and over'. It's iconic. We all love it, and it really helps us get in the high energy performance mind set. 

Mischief have become an almighty worldwide success, and deservedly so, since its humble beginnings. How does it feel to be a part of something so iconic and well-known?

It's such a privilege. I still have to pinch myself that it's actually real! The nicest thing about being a part of Mischief, is how much it feels like a family. It's amazing knowing that so many people have played my part before me and getting to meet so many of the people who made the show happen is just lovely. It's a great team to be a part of, and I feel so lucky to be a part of it. 

Had you seen any of Mischief's productions before becoming involved in one?

Yes, I first saw Peter Pan Goes Wrong. It's still my favourite Mischief production, because it's the show that made me fall in love with the company. The shows are completely my sense of humour. I also saw The Play That Goes Wrong, and The Comedy About A Bank Robbery before auditioning for The Play That Goes Wrong. I just love them all! I also can't wait for Series 2 of The Goes Wrong Show.

For anyone who has not yet had the pleasure of seeing The Play That Goes Wrong, how would you encourage them to book tickets?

If you want to spend two hours having an absolute giggle, feeling joyful, forgetting the madness of the world right now (and why wouldn't you), then we can't wait to welcome you back to the theatre to see The Play That Goes Wrong!

For more information and to book tickets for The Play That Goes Wrong, please click here.