Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury – until the 14th January 2024
Reviewed by Fiona Leyman
5*****
I know it’s the Christmas season and all, but I want to make something very clear.
This play is not a Pantomime in any way whatsoever!
“OH YES IT IS!” “OH NO IT ISNT!” “OH YES IT IS!” OH NO IT BLOODY ISNT!”
“It’ll be alright on the night” they said. What possibly could go wrong? EVERYTHING, in fact!!
The audience is filing into their seats, and chaos has ensued. Trevor (Chris Leask), the Stage Manager, has misplaced his hammer and is having everybody search for it. With a bottle of beer in his hand, he is growing increasingly irritated by everyone ignoring him. AD Robert (Matthew Howell) is attempting to repair the flickering lights around the theatre, when he discovers that the only way to do so is to run an extension lead through the audience to the back of the theatre. They haven’t even begun the show, and things are not going according to plan. If you think something is likely to go wrong, it probably will, but everyone must continue with the show, no matter what.
The Cornley Drama Society are back with their brand-new production of Peter Pan. Director Chris (Harry Kershaw) and Co Director (“Assistant Director” according to Chris) Robert are attempting to redeem themselves after the disaster that unfolded at their premiere of Oliver Twist the Musical. Mr Bumble, played by Robert, sadly fell on one of the children who perished due to his Tesla blocking the ambulance bay. Determined to make up for prior mishaps in previous shows, their production of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan was sure to go off without a hitch. A substantial cash injection from Max’s (Matthew Cavendish) uncle allowed for new elaborate sets, lighting, and special effects that this ensemble of “talented” performers, minus Robert’s niece Lucy, who suffers from terrible stage fright, can’t possibly mess up.
This hilariously funny, slapstick comedy from the writers of A Play That Goes Wrong (Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields), promises to entertain audiences far and wide.
Matthew Cavendish (Max) is a charming actor who delights the audience with his cheeky little smiles and quirks. Nancy Zamit (The Play That Goes Wrong, Mischief Co-Founder) is a hilariously funny Tinkerbell, with her tutu hooked up to a power cable and her lightning-fast costume changes (beware of partial nudity).
I had no idea what to expect from this Faulty Towers-esque show, but after being assured by my guest that I was going to love it, I took my seat and settled in for an unexpected treat. At one point, I was laughing so hard that I needed tissues to prevent my mascara from running down my face. Trust me, that isn’t a good look! The audience participation was fantastic, with everyone roaring with laughter, especially when things went off script!
If you want to laugh from beginning to end, this is the show to see, you won’t be disappointed. It’s so Wrong it’s Right and deserves 5 Stars.