The Curtain Rises – Mayhem Ensues!

Reviewed by Sandi Laird

London’s Grand Theatre has a winner on its hands. It all begins as the fictional director of The Murder at Haversham Manor walks onto the stage to introduce the play from the imagined Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society. Then the curtain rises on more than two hours of madcap madness.

It’s the worst nightmare for the cast and crew of The Play That Goes Wrong as the whole lot goes awry. As lines are missed and set pieces fall, the dedicated cast and crew do everything in their power to save the day and the play. What could have been a huge failure – a tragedy of errors for this well-meaning acting troupe – is turned into a huge win for the players and audience. You must see it to believe it!

The cast is brilliant, deftly handling the complicated story, and bringing the audience pure joy. You’ll laugh at them, with them and always cheer them on. There is nothing but praise to share about the cast but there are a couple that stood out. Andrew McDonald-Smith as Max dominates when on stage with wit and winks and physical moves that defy gravity. Jawon Mapp as Robert was exceptional, mixing physical comedy with hilarious characterization and energy. But the real star of this show was the set. As props fell, walls and floors collapsed and pieces went missing, the cast stepped in and held it all together.

This production is a triumph for the Grand Theatre, director Dennis Garnhum, the writers, the amazing cast and the spectacular set. The audience laughed and cheered and willed the wrong to go right. It’s a must see! Don’t miss it.

The Play That Goes Wrong continues at the Grand Theatre, London until November 2.  Tickets are available at the Grand box office at 519-672-8800 or 1-800-265-1593 or visit www.grandtheatre.com

Photos:
Max aka Andrew McDonald-Smith is a master of breaking the fourth wall, engaging the audience directly. 
Jawon Mapp as Robert expectorates the mysterious liquor from the private stock at Haversham Manor. 
Photos by Dahlia Katz.

The Play That goes Wrong
By Henry Lewis, Henry Shields and Jonathan Sayer
A revival of the Citadel Theatre, Theatre Calgary, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre’s 2024 production
Directed by Dennis Garnhum
Performed by Alexander Ariate, Izad Etemadi, Vanessa Leticia Jetté, Andrew MacDonald-Smith, Jawon Mapp, Emily Meadows, Bernardo Pacheco, Honey Pham, John Ullyatt, Daniela Vlaskalic
Grand Theatre, Spriet Stage, 471 Richmond Street, London
October 14 to November 2, 2025
Reviewed by Sandi Laird