Since first seen in London in 2012, The Play That Goes Wrong has been convulsing theatre goers around the world ever since.
It last visited Canberra in 2017, and obviously the impression left on that occasion was so positive that every one of the scheduled Canberra performances for its 2025 season sold out before the production opened.
The premise is a simple one. The struggling Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society, having received a substantial bequest from a benefactor, has decided to pool all its resources on a slap-up production of a 1920’s murder mystery, “Murder at Haversham Manor” – a play which has just the right number of roles to suit its current membership.
The stakes are high, so the director, who also has the leading role in the production, is nervous. But everyone involved is determined to do their level best to ensure the premiere performance is memorable.
And it is, but not for the reasons hoped. Because as the play proceeds the unfortunate cast finds itself coping with just about every on-stage theatrical mishap conceivable, brilliantly portrayed by an excellent cast of multi-skilled Australian and New Zealand actors, who, despite their best efforts, are ultimately upstaged by the set, which won a Tony Award for Best Scenic Design of a play.
This production is a carbon copy of the original West End production with every moment, and movement, carefully choreographed and timed to the second, and despite having been touring nationally since June of this year, the current cast still appear to be enjoying the mayhem and merriment as much as the audience.
For anyone seeking brilliantly staged classic slapstick comedy, The Play That Goes Wrong is a production that should not be missed.
The Play That Goes Wrong
Playhouse – Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, Canberra
Performance: Tuesday 28 October 2025
Season continues to 2 November 2025
Bookings: www.canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Following the Canberra season, The Play That Goes Wrong will play the Regal Theatre, Subiaco (Perth) from 7 – 16 November 2025. For more information, visit: www.playgoeswrong.com for details.
Image: The Cast of The Play That Goes Wrong – photo by Jordan Munns
Review: Bill Stephens OAM