Theatre

6 subtleties that make The Play That Goes Wrong so genius

The Play That Goes Wrong is the Olivier Award-winning production that’s immigrated down under after a blistering run on London’s West End and a recent arrival on Broadway.

But when people rave about something THAT much, you’re left wondering if it can really be THAT good?

As it turns out, The Play That Goes Wrong really does deserve all the praise it’s received. Not just for its bold, slapstick comedy though, the Mischief Theatre’s production is actually full of genius subtleties that deserve the biggest laughs.

In short, the production sees the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society showcase, or at least attempt to, their latest murder mystery play. Everything that could go wrong, does, and that’s only the beginning of their problems.

Here are just six things to look out for when you see The Play That Goes Wrong at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre – tickets on sale now.

1. Max is a master of the sly side-eye 

You can see why James Marlowe decided to reprise the role of Max in the Australian production (having previously appeared on the West End) as he slips into the character so effortlessly. In between the big lol-moments, it’s James’ comedic timing and almost out-of-story glances to the audiences that cause you to crease up most.

2. The gasp moments

The stage is basically a carefully-designed death trap that you’ll never see coming and it’s the sudden, small glitches in the not-so-small props that leave you skipping a breath.

3. Unexpected wrestling moves 

We won’t ruin the plot for you but there’s a moment in the show when some backstage wrestling moves totally deserve to steal the limelight. Nevermind what’s happening out front, the chaos behind the set is responsible for just as many laughs.

4. Subtle self-loathing

You may not be surprised to be back in your seat for the second half but after their spectacular run of back luck, the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society sure are. Are we laughing with them or at them? It’s hard to tell.

5. The stagehands 

Intent on spreading their bad luck, The Play That Goes Wrong doesn’t contain itself to the stage. Tilt your head to the Comedy Theatre boxes and you’ll see the stagehands having just as an unfortunate time of it.

6. Attention to detail

From the upside down sign out front to the foyer bar,  the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society make an error at just about every turn. From the moment we were confronted by a flustered character in the toilets before the show started, we knew we were in for something uniquely hilarious.

The Play That Goes Wrong is showing at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre now, with a super limited season until 26 March – book now at Ticketmaster.com.au.