The Play that Goes Wrong
Something miraculous must have occurred because I am managing to get out without the kids more often. I enjoyed a fabulous night on the town this week that included the delightfully funny The Play that Goes Wrong at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre.
As all amateur and professional thespians know show business does not always run smoothly. So it is for the fictitious members of ‘The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society’ who stage a 1920s style who dunnit murder mystery performance. As the performance descends into the deepest pits of theatrical chaos the snorts, laughs and giggles from the audience became louder and louder. This extremely physical comedy explores the theme of the “show must go on” as sets disintegrate around the Cornley Polytechnic Drama performers, lines are forgotten, mistaken, misspoken and performers become incapacitated. The laughs come from the tenacity displayed by the Drama Society to adapt to each new theatrical disaster.
I’m traditionally not fond of physical comedy (Jim Carrey’s 1990 movies left me cold) The Play that Goes Wrong is my exception to the rule. The show culminates with an all out girl brawl incorporating an unrecognisable Brooke Satchel (from Playschool). As fake punches were exchanged I found myself wondering when the last time was that I had laughed so hard. Needless to say it was too long ago.
You don’t need to have a background in amateur theatre to love the Play that Goes Wrong. The show is a great incorporation into date nights, and girls nights out. While the comedy is clean, the show is too fast moving for kids under 13 so I would save this one for an adults evening.
Playing at The Comedy Theatre in Melbourne until Sunday March 26th before touring the country (next stop Adelaide). Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.
