'The Play that Goes Wrong' Duchess Theatre ****

When theatre productions massively falter, it’s usually the critics who inevitably destroy and revel in such damnation's, but when the entire premise of the play is to express such instances openly is a work of pure comic brilliance. ‘The Play that Goes Wrong’ that is presently charming audiences at the Duchess Theatre suggest the amateur sector ought to avoid the privilege to perform on the West End stage. Conceived by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, we are believed to be witnessing Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society’s production of ‘Murder at Havisham Manor’ was packed full of disasters from the very beginning when sections of the set start to disintegrate due to a lack of care and attention from its stage manager, and a member of the audience, who is then left on the stage alone. In addition to this, the calamities include such instances where the sound/lighting operator forgets to press the correct switch on sound cues, and hints of Duran Duran songs plays, which obviously creates an amusing affect. Moreover, we witness the rapid decisions that directors have to come up with when one member of the cast experiences an horrific injury, whilst on stage, and this is hilariously conveyed when the stage manager, Annie Twilloil has to perform as the vivacious, Florence Colleymore. The play allows us to see the struggles of the director, Chris Bean has bestowed upon himself as not only the director of the peace and actor, he is in fact the designer, prop maker, dramaturg etc. As well as, due to the gargantuan amounts of catastrophes that transpire from the show, he fundamentally breaks down, as his production is doomed entirely. Lewis, Sayers and Shields narrative is excellently amusing, as a concept of a play within a play shows how plays can unfortunately go completely wrong, and it's really interesting that their script began its journey at the sixty seat, Old Red Lion Theatre, in Angel. One found the performances by the company of ‘The Play that Goes Wrong’ were brilliantly rib-tickling and wonderfully characterised during the entire production. Henry Shields is transcendent as the disheartened director, Chris Bean; especially when we see him attempt to fix a number of disasters that exude through the horrid production that he has created, also his breakdown elements were really funny too. Nancy Wallinger is delightful as the haphazard stage manager, Annie Twilloil; in particular her transformation as the lead female, Florence Colleymore, as well as it was highly charming to observe her enjoyment on stage, and dislikes it when the original actress regains consciousness. Jonathan Sayer is exceptional as, Dennis Tyde; such as when he uses such force to make sure his character Perkins was powerful, and his movements were well executed throughout this comic performance. Mark Bell's direction is brilliant here, as you are able to see the destruction of an amateur production within a West End stage, and the attention to detail within the slapstick comedy was phenomenal which was positively received due to the rapturous audience reactions. Nigel Hook’s set design is beautiful as you can see the haphazard perception of amateur company’s admiration of their work. Furthermore, it appears that there has been a considerably fruitful collaboration between himself and Bell, as it’s very near perfection. Overall, one found the experience of ‘The Play that Goes Wrong’ was excellent, and extraordinarily hilarious. Well recommended.