Review: THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG, Duchess Theatre
Photo credit: Robert Day
As if it isn’t wonderful enough to be back in the theatre again after 18 months, The Play That Goes Wrong provides two hours of side-splitting, riotous joy!
It is fast-paced, slicker than slick, and completely flawless. The cast work as a team throughout, and it is clear how happy and privileged they feel to be back performing to a live audience again. They constantly give each other focus and energy onstage, really making the most of every comic beat and giving each other space to shine.
On that note, the entire cast shines. Jack Michael Stacey, making his West End debut, is a fantastic Max, really playing up to the audience and showing off his natural comedic skills and comic timing. A constant source of energy, Stacey’s physicality and characterisations are hilarious, even throwing in a memorable roly-poly!
Another highlight is Euan Bennett, one of the fab understudies, who plays Trevor at this performance. He commands the audience and has us in the palm of his hand. Bennett’s ability to make the audience break into uproarious laughter with just a glance of the eye is really impressive. We were wowed with the entire cast and particularly the moments of stillness from Ross Green, Michael Keane and David Kirkbride (Chris, Dennis and Robert) that had the audience on tenterhooks. Green had the entire audience enraptured for a good five minutes whilst he searched for a prop, making us laugh one minute and lament the next! Kirkbride did the same with his physical comedy which is a masterclass in art form!
A mention must be given to the set, lighting, costume and design. The set is ingenious, with so many tricks and traps that it’s hard to catch sight of everything in one sitting. For what must be such a well-oiled machine, the lost props, broken set, and flying furniture all feel completely improvised, as does the entire play!
Jubilant, enthralling, entertaining, and an absolute must-see, The Play That Goes Wrong is taking bookings through to January 2022 and you do not want to miss this, Besties!
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Eliza Harris
To book tickets for the West End production, please click here.
