The Comedy About Spies
Adelphi Theatre
until 26th September 2026
Straight after seeing the absolutely marvellous ‘Operation Mincemeat’ last week, I was bemused to realise that my next Theatre trip would be to see another fast paced comedy about spies – called indeed… ‘The Comedy about Spies’.
This is another of Mischief Theatres creations directed by Matt DiCarlo. These are the people behind The Play that goes Wrong and others. They specialise in fast paced, slapstick craziness and boy, do they do it well.
Set in London in 1961, The Comedy about Spies has one mission… to make people laugh. Set predominantly in the Piccadilly Hotel, there are mix ups, mistaken identities and chaos. All the things you expect from Mischief. There are American, British and Russian spies all double, triple and quadruple crossing each other creating entertaining mayhem. A failed British actor (known only for advertising haemorrhoid cream) is also at the hotel auditioning for the role of James Bond adding extra opportunities for confusion. Your brain spins as you try and concentrate not to miss any of the jokes.
Set Designer David Farley has surpassed himself, the set switched between hotel lobby, all four key bedrooms at once, MI5s offices and rooftop bar, the second act uses a travelator to perfection. Each set and series of props are expertly used by the cast to perfection.
Having seen many of Mischief’s works, I truly believe this is their best so far. Writers Henry Lewis and Henry Shields are masters of their craft and this is truly so much fun, it is a great summer treat. Go go go!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reviewer: Sammi O’Neill
Photo: Helen Maybanks
Cast
Bryony Corrigan – Elena Popova
Dave Hearn – Lance Buchanan
Adele James – Rosemary Wilson
Chris Leask – Sergei Ivanov
Henry Lewis – Douglas Woodbead
Henry Shields – Bernard Wright
Greg Tannahill – Albert Tipton
Nancy Zamit – Janet Buchanan
& Macadie Amoroso, Adam Byron, Matt Cavendish, Allie Dart, Niall Ransome & Ashley Tucker
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