I reviewed Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society's production of The Murder at Haversham Manor in May last year and I'm delighted to report that this Play still Goes Wrong in January. Now on tour, in bigger venues and extended to a full two hours, President / Director / Lead Actor Chris Bean appears to be getting no more from his colleagues in this most Am of Am-Dram productions despite his heart and soul being poured into it, night after night - have they learned nothing?
Of course, this is exactly how it should be. Mischief Theatre's disintegrating countryhouse murder mystery is capitalising on excellent reviews last summer and a very well-received winter panto - Peter Pan Goes Wrong - to take their mayhem around the country. There's the overacting, the misplaced props, the forgotten lines, the unexpected
Duran Duran - and some physical comedy last seen when
The Three Stooges were busy sending each other to casualty.
In an ensemble cast, Jonathan Sayer stands out as the pompous, but hopeless, Dennis Tyde, whose "playing" of creepy butler Perkins is excrutiatingly enjoyable. Hats off too to Charlie Russell and Lotti Maddox, who take a fearful beating but come back fighting - each other. The company's fine comic performances are framed within a beautiful (if sometimes terrifying) set designed by Nigel Hook, a sumptuous delight to look at - while it lasts.
If it's sometimes easy to spot the inspirations for some of the scenes and the characters, that hardly matters in comedy, particularly not in a production that goes hard for the laughs from curtain-up and keeps going until it brings the house down. This extended version feels at the limit of what the set up can sustain, but never flags, and takes its leave at just the right time.
There are four understudies named to cover just eight actors - and I suspect they may not be in the wings for long. Break A Leg, guys! Or rather, don't.
Mischief Theatre's The Play That Goes Wrong continues at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley until 8 February and then tours.
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