For a long time, I pondered what made the whodunnit parody *The Play That Goes Wrong* so appealing to audiences globally. Was my sense of humor lacking? It was delightful to find that Mischief Theatre’s latest production is wittier, quicker, and even more ridiculous.

This 1960s spy comedy, co-written by Henry Lewis and Henry Shields, takes over the Noël Coward Theatre, weaving through a complex tapestry of Cold War narratives while playfully nodding to the classic James Bond films. Under the deft direction of Matt DiCarlo, the show delivers impeccable comic timing and stellar ensemble performances. A particularly side-splitting moment occurs in the first act as the plot bounces between four hotel rooms, creating a whirlwind of chaos that’s reminiscent of *Fawlty Towers* in its peak absurdity.

Lewis, known for his role as the pretentious mentalist in *Mind Mangler*—Mischief’s parody of the magician’s world—consistently steals the spotlight as Douglas Woodbead, an exceedingly smug actor who arrives at an upscale West End hotel to audition for the first Bond film. Despite his unimpressive filmography, which includes just a commercial for hemorrhoids, he is convinced he will land the role over a Scottish rival named “Sean.” Unbeknownst to him, he is about to get caught up with American and Soviet spies who are also in the hotel, all seeking plans for a secret weapon.

This plot, serving as a classic McGuffin, leads to a series of mistaken identities, pyrotechnics, lethal umbrellas, shattered wine bottles, and even a run-in with a particularly rebellious pigeon hiding in a wardrobe. The Cold War antics kick off with a hilarious sketch, infused with echoes of *The Two Ronnies*, in which MI6 agents become hopelessly tangled in their own aliases. David Farley’s set design is a treat, as the backdrop unfolds like a set of Russian nesting dolls, giving the grand hotel a whimsical aura reminiscent of classic Looney Tunes cartoons.

Shields portrays the lackluster suitor Bernard Wright, who becomes an unwitting participant in the chaos while attempting to propose to his girlfriend (played by Adele James). Dave Hearn shines as a ruggedly handsome CIA agent looking to outsmart his KGB adversaries, while Greg Tannahill’s character, the hotel desk clerk, finds himself in all sorts of humorous predicaments while maintaining his composure.

Although the barrage of gags and witty remarks begins to wane slightly towards the end, there are moments when you feel like collateral damage in a playful, chaotic showdown. Nevertheless, this is precisely the kind of wildly inventive comedy that the world could use right now. Embrace the madness! ★★★★☆ 140 min To Sep 5, SpiesComedy.com

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