The Play That Goes Wrong

What is The Play That Goes Wrong about?

The amateur enthusiasts of the Cornley Drama Society are presenting a 1920s murder mystery, 'The Murder at Haversham Manor'. The trouble is, they're not very good. As the accident-prone cast battle through the performance, everything that can go wrong does: actors forget their lines, props malfunction, set pieces collapse, and the corpse simply won't stay dead.

Is The Play That Goes Wrong funny?

Absolutely hilarious! The show is pure physical comedy, a non-stop succession of slapstick disasters, collapsing scenery, and perfectly-timed catastrophes. It's been making audiences cry with laughter for over a decade. Even on your second or third viewing, you'll spot new details and gags you missed before.

How long has The Play That Goes Wrong been running?

The Play That Goes Wrong opened at the Duchess Theatre in September 2014, making it the longest-running comedy in the West End. In June 2025, the show celebrated its 4,001st performance! The Cornley Drama Society intends to keep performing until they get it 100% right.

Who created The Play That Goes Wrong?

The Play That Goes Wrong was created by Mischief Theatre, specifically company members Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields. The company has since created a theatrical empire including The Comedy About a Bank Robbery, Magic Goes Wrong (with Penn & Teller), and the BBC series The Goes Wrong Show.

What are the best seats for The Play That Goes Wrong?

The Duchess Theatre is an intimate venue, so most seats offer great views of the chaos. The Stalls provide the most immersive experience, you'll feel like the set might collapse on you! The Dress Circle offers an excellent overview of all the mayhem.