A Night of Hilarious Chaos: The Play That Goes Wrong

The Play That Goes Wrong

A Theatre Experience Like No Other

Last night at the Newcastle Civic Theatre, I had the pleasure of attending The Play That Goes Wrong, a side-splitting comedy that has been delighting audiences across the globe. From the moment the curtain rose, it was clear this was not going to be an ordinary night at the theatre. The production delivered a perfect blend of chaos, charm, and cleverness that had the entire audience in fits of laughter.

The Outrageously Funny Plot

The play follows the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society as they attempt to stage a 1920s murder mystery, The Murder at Haversham Manor. However, things start to go awry right from the start. Forgotten lines, collapsing props, mis-timed entrances, and actors being knocked unconscious create a theatrical disaster that just keeps escalating.

What makes The Play That Goes Wrong brilliant is how meticulously the chaos is planned. Every mishap, though appearing spontaneous, is perfectly choreographed for maximum comic effect. The humour builds with each scene until the audience is crying with laughter at the sheer absurdity of it all.

A Talented Cast Bringing Mayhem to Life

The Play That Goes Wrong

The cast’s comedic timing was impeccable. Each actor threw themselves into the disaster unfolding on stage with complete seriousness, which only made the absurd situations even funnier. Their straight-faced delivery in the midst of chaos kept the audience roaring with laughter from start to finish.

The physical comedy was a highlight, with falling sets, tangled lines, and collapsing furniture adding layers of hilarity to the performance. It takes incredible skill to make everything look like it is going wrong while keeping perfect control of the timing and energy.

The Play That Goes Wrong features a brilliantly skilled cast who bring the comedy to life with precision and flair.

• Olivia Charalambous (Annie): A NIDA graduate and self-described creative hustler, Olivia has worked extensively across theatre, festivals, and directing projects, including roles in Les Misérables and Spring Awakening.

• Edmund (Eds) Eramiha (Trevor): Hailing from New Zealand, Eds is known for his acclaimed work in theatre, film, and television, including the series Vegas. His stage credits include Shakespearean roles at the Pop Up Globe.

• Tom Hayward (Dennis): An emerging actor and writer, Tom has performed across NZ fringe festivals and focuses on bold characters and storytelling.

• Stephanie Astrid John (Sandra): With credits in Twelfth Night, The Grinning Man, and Stranger Sings, Stephanie is celebrated for her versatility and comedic talent.

• Joe Kosky (Robert): A seasoned performer with credits in Shrek The Musical, School of Rock, and Netflix’s Aunty Donna, Joe brings a wealth of stage experience to the production.

• Jonathan Martin (Chris): A veteran of both classic and modern theatre, Jonathan has performed in Romeo and Juliet, The Merchant of Venice, and Something Rotten! among many others.

• Brodie Masini (Jonathan): A NIDA graduate, Brodie has appeared in tick, tick… BOOM! and The Last Five Years as well as multiple opera productions.

• Sebastiano Pitruzzello (Max): Making his professional theatre debut, Sebastiano has already impressed in works like STOP/OVER and BACON.

Together, this dynamic ensemble delivers flawless comedic timing and the perfect balance of mayhem and mastery.

The Set That Falls Apart

The Play That Goes Wrong

The set itself became a character in the story. As the play progressed, walls collapsed, doors refused to open, and entire pieces of furniture crumbled before our eyes. The clever design meant that everything looked accidental but was masterfully planned. By the end, the entire stage was in chaos, and the audience could barely contain their laughter.

Audience Reactions

From the very first mishap, the audience was in hysterics. Laughter echoed through the beautiful Newcastle Civic Theatre, growing louder as the disasters became more ridiculous. There were moments when the entire crowd was doubled over with tears in their eyes, barely able to catch their breath before the next calamity unfolded.

It was a shared experience of pure joy, and by the final curtain call, the applause was thunderous, a tribute to the cast and crew for delivering such a flawless evening of fun.

A Performance Accessible to All

The Play That Goes Wrong

The performance I attended at Newcastle Civic Theatre was Auslan interpreted, making the show accessible for members of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. It was wonderful to see the interpreters positioned so that audience members could follow the dialogue while enjoying the same chaotic humour and visual gags as everyone else.

The combination of physical comedy, hilarious mishaps, and live interpretation ensured the entire audience could share in the laughter, no matter their hearing ability. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of making theatre inclusive so everyone can experience the joy of live performance.

Why You Should See It

If you love theatre, comedy, or simply want a night of unstoppable laughter, The Play That Goes Wrong is a must-see. It is a masterclass in physical humour, comic timing, and theatrical creativity that leaves audiences talking long after the show ends.

Limited Newcastle Shows Before Touring Australia

If you’re in Newcastle, don’t miss your chance — there are only two more nights left for The Play That Goes Wrong at the Newcastle Civic Theatre, running until 30 August. After Newcastle, the hilariously disastrous production heads across Australia, giving audiences in other cities the chance to experience the chaos:

• Melbourne: 3 – 28 September

• Port Macquarie: 23 – 25 October

• Canberra: 28 October – 2 November

• Perth: 7 – 16 November

The Play That Goes Wrong

Tickets are selling fast, so book early to avoid missing out on this side-splitting comedy.

Find Out More

For show times and ticket bookings visit:
https://playgoeswrong.com/

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/