Presented by GMG Productions and Stoddart Entertainment Group in association with Sydney Opera House. Written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer & Henry Sheilds
10 years of the Play That Goes Wrong and disaster has never been this hilarious
Reviewed by Bradley Roe
19 June – 3 August 2025
Tickets: Date selection | Sydney Opera House
Type: Slapstick, Farce, Comedy, Disaster
If you liked: Noises Off!, Sherlock Holmes, The Mousetrap
There are two kinds of people in the world: those who have seen The Play that Goes Wrong and those who don’t know what they’re missing out on. Mischief Theatre company’s production that has taken over West End and Broadway stages is nothing short of a triumph in comedic timing, technical wizardry and commitment to the bit.
For those who are in the dark (as I once was) The Play that Goes Wrong follows a small ‘community’ theatre troupe and their performance of a 1920’s Agatha Christie styled murder mystery where the performance does not quite go as well as planned. The true mastery of which comes from the carefully choreographed and disciplined direction. Although each failure, error and mishap feels spontaneous, there is a mastermind behind creating this illusion. Original direction was carried out by Mark Bell and for this 10th anniversary touring production, Nick Purdie.
However, the unsung heroes of the show are the real technical team in sound, stage and lighting who ensure that everything that goes wrong, goes wrong correctly. This team of true superstars do not miss a beat and ensure that the illusion of catastrophe is achieved with a level of professionalism that belies madness.
At the conclusion of this perfectly imperfect performance the cast bows as an ensemble, and I believe that this is a true representation of the show. This is usually the part where a reviewer singles out a standout performer, but in this show, it’s impossible to choose. Every character, scene and player builds in energy and humour. Just when the audience couldn’t believe what happened, the next level of disaster would strike. This is a brilliant cast touring production, with each member working as a true ensemble.
This teamwork started from the moment the theatre doors opened, with the ‘stage crew’ and cast interacting with the audience, creating a chaotic atmosphere before the curtain rose. This playful way to start the show successfully warmed up the audience to be full of belly laughs, gasps and bouts of applause. With the loudest reactions saved for the second half when… well, you’ll have to see for yourself. Overall, the energy in the room was infectious, with the entire audience standing to attention during the cast’s bows.
If this is what ‘wrong’ looks like, may everything in life continue to go deliciously off-script.
Beneath the façade of disaster and catastrophe however, also lies a loving tribute to the world of community theatre, a place where enthusiasm and commitment trump experience. The Play that Goes Wrong gently satirises the world of amateur theatre while celebrating the resilience, determination and the ‘show must go on’ mentality that lives in this world. It also plays into its British charm and natural tongue in cheek energy that gives the show a wdespread appeal. It’s family-friendly, easily accessible, and laugh-out-loud funny in any accent.
In a world that feels like the set may fall down at any moment, this show is a joyous escape we all need. In a show full of faults, every part of the team was truly faultless. Get your tickets now, whether you need a laugh, a lift, a night of pure entertainment, or just a dose ofschadenfreude, this show is truly for all. If this is what ‘wrong’ looks like, may everything in life continue to go deliciously off-script.
Theatre Thought: If you find yourself wanting to be a Mischief Theatre fan, check out their other ‘Goes Wrong’ catalogues here.
The Play That Goes Wrong is playing at the Opera House until 3 August.
EVENT DETAILS:
WHAT: The Play That Goes Wrong
WHEN: 19 June – 3 August 2025
WHERE: Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House
TICKETS: From $89 + booking fee
