
The Play That Goes Wrong Tickets
Anything that can go wrong will, it's all laughter Galore with The Play That Goes Wrong!Recommended for ages 8 and above. Children under the age of 5 will not be admitted. (Please note children under 15 years of age must be accompanied by and sat with an adult over 18 years of age.)
Performance dates
18 June 2021 - 1 February 2026
Run time 2hr 5min (inc. interval)
Includes interval
Top Rated Show
Reviewers highly rate this show
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THE LONGEST RUNNING COMEDY IN THE WEST END
Still disrupting the West End in its 10th disastrous year, the award-winning international smash-hit THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG continues to tickle audiences at the Duchess Theatre.
You all know the classic whodunnit story, there has been a murder at a country manor and an inspector is set on the case to find who the culprit is. However, when this plot is given to the accident-prone thespians at The Cornley Drama Society, everything that can go wrong... does!
The actors and crew battle against all odds to make it through to their final curtain call, with hilarious consequences! Do you ever find out who murdered Charles Haversham? You’ll have to see for yourself!
Experience total mayhem and enjoy the perfect slice of escapist comedy, guaranteed to leave you aching with laughter.
Access
BSL Performance: 16 May 2025 at 7.30pm. Captioned Performance: 18 May 2025 at 3pm. Audio Described Performance: 23 May 2025 at 7:30pm. Captioned - Sunday 16 November 2025 at 3pm. Audio Described - Friday 21 November 2025 at 7:30pm. BSL - Sunday 23 November 2025 at 3pm.Recent Reviews
Latest The Play That Goes Wrong News

News / Features
International Day of Happiness - Why theatre is a science-backed act of self-care
Happiness comes in many forms - a perfect cup of tea, stopping at exactly £30 at the petrol pump, or hearing the first notes of a familiar overture as the curtain rises. On International Day of Happiness, there’s no better time to celebrate the sheer joy that theatre brings to our lives. Science tells us that live performance actually has profound effects on our well-being, and nowhere is that magic felt more than in London’s iconic West End.
Theatre isn’t just entertainment; it’s a powerful mood booster. A study by University College London found that watching a live performance synchronizes heart rates among audience members, creating a shared emotional experience that deepens feelings of connection. Meanwhile, the release of dopamine and oxytocin - the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals - explains that post-show euphoria we all know and love.
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!
20 Mar, 2025 | By Sian McBride

News
Duchess Theatre best seats and seating plan
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
30 Jul, 2024 | By Hay Brunsdon

News / Features
Top 10 Best Comedy Shows in London
You know that old saying: ”You’ve got to laugh, or else you’ll cry"? It feels a little too close to home these days. To help you escape life’s troubles, head to the theatre and see one of the best comedy shows in London instead.
Whether you want a farce, some wordplay or a live rendition of your favourite film, we have it all below.
The Play That Goes Wrong
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.
23 Jul, 2024 | By Carly Clements-Yu

News / Interviews / Q & A
Interview with The Play That Goes Wrong’s Daniel-Cech Lucas
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!
13 Nov, 2023 | By Kevin Thomas

News
5 Reasons why you should see The Play That Goes Wrong
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!
4 Sep, 2023 | By Kevin Thomas

News
London Theatre Direct’s weekly news roundup (22 February 2023)
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!
21 Feb, 2023 | By Kevin Thomas

News / Casting
The Play That Goes Wrong announces new cast and extension
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.
16 Feb, 2023 | By Jaime Ponting

Features
#TicketTuesday The Play That Goes Wrong
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!
7 Dec, 2021 | By Nicky Sweetland

News / Features / Casting
West End cast announced for The Play That Goes Wrong reopening
Mischief Theatre’s The Play That Goes Wrong will resume performances at the West End’s Duchess Theatre on 18 June 2021. The award-winning comedy has just revealed its full cast for its return. The international hit will continue to be the funniest play in London this summer, making it the perfect choice for guaranteed relentless laughter. Tickets for The Play That Goes Wrong are now booking for its reopening next month!
13 May, 2021 | By Jade Ali

News / Productions / Casting
Cast announced for The Play That Goes Wrong's West End return
The London cast of The Play That Goes Wrong has been announced ahead of the show's big return to the stage. Mischief Theatre's Olivier Award-winning theatrical gem is set to re-open this November at the Duchess Theatre, which has been newly reconfigured to accommodate for social distancing and COVID safety measures. Tickets for the West End production of The Play That Goes Wrong have already gone back on sale. Beat the rush and secure your seats today!
25 Sep, 2020 | By Nicholas Ephram Ryan Daniels