The Play That Goes Wrong

Know before you go

Show details

Categories: Play, Comedy, Critics' choice

Audience: Suitable for 8+

Theatre Name: Duchess theatre

Find the best seats in the house with Duchess theatre seating plan

Theatre Facilities: Theatre bar, Cloakroom, Booster seats, Toilet, Assistive listening system

Dress Code: Smart casual

Cast & crew

• Leading roles: Jordan Akkaya as Trevor, Daniel Anthony as Dennis, Joe Bolland as Jonathan, Daniel Fraser as Chris and Billie Hamer as Annie

• Direction: Mark Bell

• Music: Rob Falconer

• Written by: Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer & Henry Shields

Additional tips

• Children aged under 5 years will not be admitted to this show. This show is recommended for ages 8 years and above.

• For all productions at Nimax Theatres, children aged 14 and below must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over and sat in seats next to each other.

• Please keep in mind that the theatre does not have an age classification organization. This means that all age recommendations are subjective. Please use your judgment while purchasing tickets for any show.

• Access performances: Captioned – Sun, Nov 16, 2025 at 3pm | Audio Described – Fri, Nov 21, 2025 at 7:30pm | BSL Interpreted – Sun, Nov 23, 2025 at 3pm

• Keep in mind, most theatres are air-conditioned throughout the year and can get a bit chilly. Bring along a light jacket if needed.

Frequently asked questions about The Play That Goes Wrong

Q: What is The Play That Goes Wrong about?

A: The play follows the accident-prone Cornley Drama Society as they attempt to stage a classic murder mystery. As everything that can go wrong does, the cast battles collapsing sets, missing props, and hilarious mishaps in a brilliantly choreographed comedy.

Q: How long is The Play That Goes Wrong?

A: The show runs for approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes, including one interval.

Q: Is The Play That Goes Wrong suitable for children?

A: Yes. The show is recommended for ages 8 and above. Its visual slapstick comedy makes it a popular choice for families.

Q: Is The Play That Goes Wrong a musical?

A: No. It is a comedy play featuring physical humour, visual gags, and theatrical farce rather than songs and musical numbers.

Q: Do I need to know anything about theatre to enjoy the show?

A: Not at all. The comedy is accessible to everyone, making it an excellent choice for both first-time theatre-goers and seasoned West End audiences.

Q: Are the mistakes really accidental?

A: No. Every collapsing set, missed cue, and comic mishap is carefully rehearsed and precisely choreographed to appear accidental.

Q: Is every performance the same?

A: The story remains the same, but audience interactions, comic timing, and live performances make each show feel slightly different.

Q: Where is The Play That Goes Wrong playing in London?

A: The show is playing at the Duchess Theatre in London's West End.

Q: Has The Play That Goes Wrong won any awards?

A: Yes. It won the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy, while its Broadway production received the Tony Award for Best Scenic Design in a Play.

Q: Why should I watch The Play That Goes Wrong?

A: Now in its 12th year in the West End, this award-winning comedy combines ingenious stagecraft, perfectly timed slapstick, and nonstop laughs, making it one of London's most entertaining theatre experiences.