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?

Jordan Akkaya takes on the role of Trevor, the perpetually distracted stage manager. A talented performer with a background in both theatre and television, Akkaya has previously appeared in Coronation Street, Hollyoaks and Casualty, with The Play That Goes Wrong marking his West End deb(oo). His comedic timing and ability to play chaos with a straight face make him the perfect fit for The Play That Goes Wrong.

Who plays Dennis in The Play That Goes Wrong?

Daniel Anthony brings his extensive stage and screen experience to the role of Dennis. Best known for his work in The Sarah Jane Adventures on BBC One and Young Simba in The Lion King, Anthony has a knack for physical comedy and impeccable comedic delivery. This isn’t Danny’s first stint in a goes wrong show – he was also part of Magic Goes Wrong, which toured the UK in 2021!

Who plays Jonathan in The Play That Goes Wrong?

Joe Bolland steps into the role of Jonathan, one of the hapless members of the Cornley Drama Society. Having trained at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Bolland has starred in numerous stage productions, including Orthello and Our Generation at the National Theatre. His background in slapstick and improvisational comedy makes him a natural fit for this delightfully disastrous show.

Who plays Chris in The Play That Goes Wrong?

Daniel Fraser plays Chris, the ambitious but luckless director of the fictional play within the play. Fraser’s previous work includes The Mousetrap, Chariots of Fire and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. With a strong command of both classical and comedic theatre, he brings an authoritative yet hilariously unhinged presence to the role.

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

Have the whole family in stitches with The Play That Goes Wrong. This study in farce follows an accident-prone amateur theatre troupe trying to put on a production of The Murder at Haversham Manor - a murder mystery set in the 1920s not too dissimilar to The Mousetrap.

Mischief Theatre’s award-winning production has been making audiences laugh for over 10 years at the Duchess Theatre, making it one of London’s longest-running shows.

The disastrous production sees props falling from walls, floors collapsing, forgotten lines, injuries, and more. All resulting in one of the best comedy shows in London.

Showstopper! The Improvised Musical

Want to know what Showstopper! The Improvised Musical is? You tell us! During the night, a hilarious group of musically talented comedians will take suggestions from the audience to create a unique show. That means no two performances are alike, so you can go as many times as you wish and have a completely different experience each time.

Be part of the show by texting in storylines, voting on musical styles and more at the Olivier Award-winning show currently playing at the Cambridge Theatre.

Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York)

If you want fresh, new comedy, walk across Leicester Square and head to the Criterion Theatre, where Sam Tutty and Dujonna Gift star in Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York).

Join Dougal - an optimistic and enthusiastic Brit - as he journeys to New York to meet his dad for the first time. Why the sudden reunion? His dad is getting married in a lavish affair. When he lands in the Big Apple, the bride’s sister, Robin, is there to meet him. But between work and running errands for the big day, she doesn’t have time to entertain the clingy guest.

The heartfelt, utterly contemporary, swoon-worthy show was so sweet and deliciously hilarious during its debut run at The Kiln Theatre, London asked for seconds. Full of one-liners, running gags, genius lyrics, and clever quips, it’s a beautiful rom-com that’ll have you laughing and crying in equal measure.

Mean Girls

Get in loser, we’re going to The Savoy Theatre. Tina Fey’s era-defining comedy has hit the stage, and it’ll make you laugh so much you’ll feel the burn. Mean Girls is a musical adaptation of the iconic movie with its unforgettable characters and quotable one-liners.

Cady Heron is new in town. Actually, she’s new in the country. After being home-schooled in Africa, she's finding the American high school experience pretty hard to navigate. But when the most popular kids in class - aka The Plastics - take an interest in her, Cady must navigate the politics of the dining hall to find her place.

Expect the same razor-sharp wit and satirical jabs, with an incredible score you’ll hum to yourself all day.

Mrs Doubtfire

Oh, helloooo dearies. You seem to have stumbled upon quite the comedic performance. The hilarious ‘90s comedy Mrs Doubtfire has had a new lease of life at the Shaftesbury Theatre.

Like the film, you’ll see the struggling actor Daniel try to win the approval of his children and estranged wife by dressing up like an elderly Scottish housekeeper and nanny. It's not the most logical choice, but it is the funniest. Watch as the domestically challenged man as he tries to impress his family while embodying the stern but fair Mrs Doubtfire.

With all your favourite jokes accompanied by scorching musical numbers, it’s an absolute must-see.

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!