Mischief are back in the West End with a new show, their seventh. The Comedy About Spies is written by Henry Lewis and Henry Shields, who both appear in leading roles.
It’s all delightfully silly. Set in the Piccadilly Hotel, in the lobby, hotel rooms, and in the corridors. There is a British spy who is planning to hand over secrets to the Russians, while the CIA are determined to stop the transfer.
The first scene is clearly a homage to Abbott & Costello’s “Who’s On First” routine, as various spies named for letters of the alphabet cause confusion. From then on, the play turns into farce, a mix of Noises Off and the Aldwych Farces across four rooms.
It’s fast-paced in both word and action, as the guests in the hotel find themselves in a game of bugged radios, a missing ring, a plate of steak, and various bottles of Chablis.
Bernard (Shields), an English baker, has followed his girlfriend to a conference. A CIA operative can’t shake off his mother (Nancy Zamit). And middling actor Douglas (Lewis) just wants to be James Bond.
To say more about the jokes, the sight gags, the sets, or the sheer inventive lunacy that has become Mischief’s USP would be a massive spoiler. Suffice to say there is a lot to enjoy and keep the laughs coming.
Director Matt DiCarlo captures the ethos of a world where “laughter is the only weapon” while the cast ensemble, including Charlie Russell’s spiky Soviet and Greg Tannahill’s unbalanced manager, display perfect timing.
If you’re a Mischief devotee, you will appreciate the clever writing that sets up every comic moment. If you’re new to the team, you’ll be up to speed very soon.
Taking aim at everything from over-attentive room service to sexual shenanigans, this show will keep you chuckling. And if you are in the upper levels, screens ensure you don’t miss a moment.
The Comedy About Spies is running at the Noel Coward Theatre until 5 Sep with tickets here.
Image credit: Mark Senior
5 stars