There’s a lot to be said for physical comedy. It’s an old staple of the genre associated with the likes of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin from way back in the days of black and white television.
Over the years, some critics have sneered and dismissed it as juvenile but what they forget is that comedy doesn’t have to be elaborate. You don’t need complex punch lines or long-winded jokes to have the audience doubled over in hysterics. The Play That Went Wrong knows this, and thrives on it.
Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society take over Nottingham’s Theatre Royal for the evening as they attempt to stage their take on a 1920s mystery thriller called ‘Murder at Haversham Manor.’ That’s right, folks, it’s a play within a play. Get yourselves ready for the hi-jinks, because they will ensue.
For some perspective, Society President and Director, Chris Bean (Patrick Warner) talks us through some previous performances by the Cornley cast which includes: Cat, James and the Peach, and Snow White and Tall Broad Man. No, those aren’t typos. It transpires that past productions have been hindered by lack of funding and worse still, a lack of members.
From the moment the curtains open, there’s a very distinct feeling that anything that could go wrong, will go wrong. And predictably it does, to hilarious effect. All the ingredients for a classic murder mystery whodunnit are there. We have an unfortunate victim, a determined inspector, the adulterous wife, the victim’s shady brother and of course, the butler.
What should be a smooth sailing production becomes a giant farce as the actors are dogged by unstable sets, dodgy props and their own clumsiness at every turn.
The script is a laugh a minute, so much so that I genuinely feared the lady sat behind me was having some sort of episode. But then again, I didn’t fare much better. Pro tip: do not take a drink into the performance because you will end up inhaling it up your nose – that is a promise.
Hats must be tipped to the entire ensemble who truly gave it their all to deliver a relentlessly energetic and thoroughly enjoyable performance. Every member of the cast possesses impeccable comedic timing (though decidedly their characters don’t) which is what truly makes The Play That Goes Wrong such a success. Special mention must be given to Trevor the Technician (Graeme Rooney) whose frustrated outbursts and spontaneous twerking were the highlight of the show. Here’s to hoping he recovers his Duran Duran CD soon.
It is certainly not difficult to see why this Olivier Award winning production written by LAMDA graduates Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields is quickly making a name for itself. Slapstick comedy, when done incorrectly, can be groan-worthy. However it is my absolute delight to say The Play That Goes Wrong gets it oh so right.
The Play That Goes Wrong is showing at Nottingham Theatre Royal from Mon 3rd- Sat 8th July.
Tickets are available from £15. www.trch.co.uk
Review by Laura Somers
