Criterion Theatre, London – 2 April 2019
Reviewed by Jess Brady
5*****
What better way to celebrate your 3rd birthday on the west end than with cake! Mischief Theatre have gone from strength to strength since 2010 producing hit shows such as The Play That Goes Wrong, Peter Pan Goes Wrong to name a few! The success of these shows is down to a perfect concoction of excellent writing, sharp comedy and extremely talented casts and The Comedy About a Bank Robbery is no exception.
The Criterion Theatre right in the heart of the West End is home for this hilarious show and if you are looking for something to see that gives you none stop laughs then this is the show for you!
Set in late 50’s Minneapolis, we begin with two criminals busting out of jail and the main goal is the rob the bank and take the half a million dollar diamond locked in the vault, a pretty standard cops and robbers story from the outset but this is far from a standard story! What transpires over the next couple of hours is nothing short of unbelievable not just with the story but it really does need to be seen to be believed.
Everything about the production is flawless in my opinion. The set is clever and inventive and the whole stage is used to full effect. It creates a frantic energy which this kind of show needs, full of slap stick, crazy stunts and high speed chases a plenty which all adds to the sheer hilarity of each scene.
The cast are exceptional and probably one of the hardest working in any show in London. Each performer is well trained and completely comfortable throwing themselves around for your spectation. Lots of clever multi role characterisation and genius musicality which adds some moments of calm amongst the chaos. The talent shines from each member of the cast and they create some pure magic onstage.
I could go on for pages about this show but instead go and see it and I promise you that you will come away feeling exhausted from laughing and seeing something that is simply marvellous.