The Play That Goes Wrong Tickets

The Play That Goes Wrong: where chaos reigns, lines are forgotten, props misfire, and the set seems determined to collapse. At the heart of the mayhem is the Cornley Drama Society - a hapless amateur theatre group with hearts of gold and absolutely no idea what they’re doing. Since its riotous deboo, The Play That Goes Wrong has become a global comedy sensation. From a tiny London pub theatre to Broadway and the West End, the show has racked up awards including the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy and a Tony Award for Best Scenic Design (because, ironically, breaking the set takes real skill). Whether it’s pratfalls, missed cues, or collapsing floors, Cornley’s accidental antics have audiences crying with laughter night after night. So, who are the brave - if not entirely competent - performers behind the disaster? Let’s meet the Cornley Drama Society company. Chris Bean (Plays Inspector Carter) As the director, designer, and star of the show, Chris Bean takes his theatre very seriously. He’s passionate, pretentious, and perilously close to losing his mind when things start going wrong - which is always. Determined to maintain order (and control), Chris’s increasing desperation is half the fun. Whether he’s fixing sets mid-scene or arguing with the audience, chaos seems to follow his every move. Robert Grove (Plays Thomas Colleymoore) Robert is the kind of actor who thinks every role - no matter how minor - should be played like Hamlet. He brings unmatched theatrical bravado, endless overacting, and a remarkable ability to ignore every problem around him (including falling scenery). He’s convinced the show will be his big break… if only everyone else would keep up. Dennis Tyde (Plays Perkins) Dennis is sweet, shy, and completely unsuited to performing. He struggles with pronunciation, regularly forgets lines, and has an alarming habit of reading stage directions aloud. Still, his earnestness makes him strangely endearing - even as the audience braces for his next beautifully bungled moment. Sandra Wilkinson (Plays Florence Colleymoore) Sandra fancies herself a future leading lady of the West End and is not about to let a little thing like disaster stop her. She throws herself into every melodramatic moment with wild abandon, and when her understudy threatens to steal the spotlight, things get… dramatic. Let’s just say Cornley’s greatest rivalry might be happening off-stage. Max Bennett (Plays Cecil Haversham and Arthur the Gardener) Max has never acted before and it shows - but he’s thrilled to be here. He milks the applause, mugs to the audience, and often forgets he’s meant to be dead. His pure joy at being on stage is infectious, even if his commitment to the script is questionable at best. Annie Twilloil (Stage Manager/Florence Colleymoore’s Understudy) Annie starts out backstage, quietly fixing problems and cueing scenes. But when she’s forced to go onstage mid-show, she finds herself reluctantly swept up in the chaos. At first she’s terrified - then she starts to enjoy it a little too much. Annie’s rise to reluctant star is one of the play’s funniest running gags. Trevor Watson (Lighting and Sound Operator) A technician with absolutely no interest in theatre, Trevor is usually found eating crisps or hunting for lost items. Unfortunately for him (and everyone else), he plays a crucial role in keeping the show running - or not running, as the case may be. His deadpan reactions and general confusion are comedy gold. The show must go on! The Play That Goes Wrong is a masterclass in perfectly choreographed calamity. Every fall, flub, and fail by the actors are meticulously rehearsed to look spontaneous - and therein lies the genius. The show has taken the world by storm, with productions in over 30 countries, proving that physical comedy, disaster-prone amateurs, and falling portraits are universally funny. Whether you're discovering the Cornley Drama Society for the first time or returning for another round of glorious mishaps, one thing’s for sure: The Play That Goes Wrong never goes wrong when it comes to laughs.

Over 106 actors have performed in the show’s Duchess Theatre run, with an actor calling out for a ledger 54,747 times. The set has endured 58,180 door slams, and a staggering 2,607 fire extinguishers have been deployed in the name of comedy. In all this time, there hasn’t been a single successful performance of the show—by design, of course! Despite their on-stage blunders, the award-winning production has entertained over 3.5 million people worldwide, having performed on every continent except Antarctica—though the producers worried it might receive a frosty reception there. But who are the actors currently making their mark (and quite a few scorch marks) in the West End cast of The Play That Goes Wrong? Who plays Trevor in The Play That Goes Wrong? Kieron Michael takes on the role of Trevor, the perpetually distracted stage manager. He may be playing a backstage character, but he’s no stranger to the spotlight. His theatre credits include The Worst Princess (UK tour), Cirque Du Hilarious (UK Touring Circus) and Cherryade Supernova. Who plays Dennis in The Play That Goes Wrong? Alex Bird brings a wealth of stage experience to the role of Dennis, the shy and nervous member of the Cornley Drama Society. His theatre credits include A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong (West End/UK Tour), The Changeling (Southwark Playhouse), and Ghostbusters (Secret Cinema), among many others. Having already performed in the Mischief universe, Bird is well versed in the unique blend of physical comedy. Who plays Jonathan in The Play That Goes Wrong? Luke Wilson joins the cast as Jonathan, one of the hapless members of the Cornley Drama Society. His theatre credits include Much Ado About Nothing (RSC), Rockets and Blue Lights (National Theatre), Under the Sun (Royal Court), and Disney’s The Lion King in the West End. Who plays Chris in The Play That Goes Wrong? Matthew Spencer takes on the role of Chris, the ambitious but luckless director of the fictional play within the play. His theatre credits include Amadeus (National Theatre), The Woman in Black in the West End, and War Horse (National Theatre and West End). On screen, he has appeared in Apple TV’s Slow Horses and Trying.

Happiness comes in many forms - a perfect cup of tea, stopping at exactly £30 at the petrol pump, or hearing the first notes of a familiar overture as the curtain rises. On International Day of Happiness, there’s no better time to celebrate the sheer joy that theatre brings to our lives. Science tells us that live performance actually has profound effects on our well-being, and nowhere is that magic felt more than in London’s iconic West End. Theatre isn’t just entertainment; it’s a powerful mood booster. A study by University College London found that watching a live performance synchronizes heart rates among audience members, creating a shared emotional experience that deepens feelings of connection. Meanwhile, the release of dopamine and oxytocin - the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals - explains that post-show euphoria we all know and love. There’s also the escapism factor. At a time when our screens are filled with news cycles and stressors, theatre offers something rare: over two uninterrupted hours of immersive storytelling. Whether you’re crying with laughter at The Play That Goes Wrong or swept away by the romance of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, the West End provides a portal to another world - one filled with music, drama, and spectacular spectacle. Even the ritual of going to the theatre makes us happier. Dressing up, flipping through the programme, chatting excitedly in the interval - it all adds to the magic. The sense of occasion activates the brain’s reward system, much like planning a holiday - our next trip is to the sunny island of Kalokairi. Anticipation alone can boost happiness, meaning your West End ticket purchase is actually a science-backed act of self-care. Ways to Celebrate International Day of Happiness – Theatre Style! If you’re looking to celebrate today in a way that guarantees maximum joy, why not take inspiration from the stage? Attend a concert – Music and nostalgia are two of the strongest happiness triggers, so why not experience both at once? ABBA Voyage is an electrifying spectacle that blends futuristic visuals with timeless hits. So dance and jive and have the happiest time of your life! Go to the movies – Some of the West End’s biggest hits started on the silver screen. Mean Girls, Clueless, and The Devil Wears Prada have all made the leap from film to stage. Seeing our favourite scenes come to life before our eyes, makes us feel like we’ve stepped into the screen. Read a book – The magic of storytelling isn’t confined to the stage. Dive into the worlds of Wicked, Hamilton, or The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, all of which exist as novels before or alongside their stage adaptations. Go train spotting – Not the film - though they did make that into a stage adaptation as well - the actual hobby. And if you need a theatrical excuse, remember that Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express is the most exhilarating train-based musical ever written. If a roller-skating rock opera about trains doesn’t scream ‘pure joy,’ what does? Whatever happiness looks like to you today, one thing is clear: theatre is more than just entertainment—it’s an essential ingredient to a joyful life. So, book that show, sing that soundtrack, and let the West End work its magic. Happy International Day of Happiness!

London's Duchess Theatre has been a hub of theatrical brilliance for decades. Since its opening in 1929, this historic venue has hosted numerous unforgettable performances, including notable long-running productions. With a cosy capacity of just over 475 seats, every show at the Duchess Theatre promises an intimate and engaging experience. If you're planning a visit to immerse yourself in the magic of the stage, selecting the ideal seat can significantly enhance your experience. To ensure you enjoy the best view of the captivating performances, read on to find out which seat will offer you the ultimate vantage point and make your afternoon or evening truly memorable. What are the best seats at the Duchess Theatre? The best seats at the Duchess Theatre depend on what you're looking for in your theatre experience, but generally, here are some recommendations: Stalls Central Stalls (Rows C to G): These seats offer a fantastic view of the stage, with a great perspective on the actors and the action. The middle of these rows is particularly sought after. Front Stalls (Rows A and B): While very close to the stage, these seats provide an immersive experience but may require you to look up slightly. Great for those who enjoy being up close to the performers. Dress Circle Front and Center (Rows A to C, Seats 6-16): These seats offer a wonderful view, elevated enough to see the entire stage without obstruction. Ideal for those who prefer not to be too close but still want a great view. Aisle Seats: Seats on the aisles in the Dress Circle provide additional legroom and easy access, which can be a bonus for comfort. Grand Circle Front Rows (Rows A and B, Center Seats): These seats are higher up but still provide a good view of the stage. The elevation allows for a broader perspective of the performance. Duchess Theatre seating plan

For his West End debut in The Play That Goes Wrong at London’s Duchess Theatre, Daniel Cech-Lucas has found himself playing a character that has a world of responsibility on his shoulders, and as you can imagine, the results are disastrous. Daniel plays the almighty Chris Bean, a character who is a Director, Set Designer, Costume Designer, Prop Maker, and everything else for the fictional play The Murder at Haversham Manor, that takes place in The Play That Goes Wrong. To celebrate all things Black Friday, we had a Q&A with the man behind the mayhem. So, let’s dive headfirst into the witty, wild, and wonderfully chaotic world of The Play That Goes Wrong with Daniel Cech-Lucas!

Perfect performances are great, but sometimes, mishaps and mayhem are even better. Ever wondered what would happen if your favourite actor fell unconscious on stage? Then think no further - as The Play That Goes Wrong is a veteran in breaking the fourth wall, giving us a hearty glimpse into what happens when things go horribly (and hilariously) wrong on stage. This expertly crafted comedy takes us straight behind the scenes of an amateur dramatic company, and they are anything but prepared as they attempt to stage a 1920s murder mystery. So, here are 5 reasons why The Play That Goes Wrong is the right show for you to see!

What an exhilarating week it’s been in the West End! The side-splitting comedy The Play That Goes Wrong proves that it never fails to delight its audiences with mishaps and mayhem, as the show announces a fresh ensemble that will undoubtedly add heaps of hilarity to the stage. As the show gets everything wrong for its 9th year, the future is sure to be full of zany antics and unexpected surprises. You can read all about it here!

Watch out…The Play That Goes Wrong is extending until April 2024 - and it’s getting a new chaos-creating cast! The Play That Goes Wrong is the longest-running play at The Duchess Theatre (since the theatre opened in 1929) and is the longest-running comedy in the West End – now crashing through its 9th chaotic year. Last month Mischief celebrated 3000 performances of The Play That Goes Wrong at the West End’s Duchess Theatre.

It’s Ticket Tuesday and this week we are celebrating a new cast getting it wrong at the Duchess Theatre. We are giving our members a chance to win a pair of tickets to see the London production of The Play That Goes Wrong. All you need to do to enter is make sure you’re a member of our mailing list or join here. For an extra entry, simply follow us on Twitter and share the post and/ or tag a friend in the comment on Instagram. Good luck! The winner will be announced on Wednesday 8 December 2021.

Mischief Theatre’s The Play That Goes Wrong will resume performances at the West End’s Duchess Theatre on 18 June 2021. The award-winning comedy has just revealed its full cast for its return. The international hit will continue to be the funniest play in London this summer, making it the perfect choice for guaranteed relentless laughter. Tickets for The Play That Goes Wrong are now booking for its reopening next month!