The Comedy About Spies
Mischief Theatre
Noël Coward Theatre, London
LIMITED SEASON MUST END 5 SEPTEMBER
Tickets
Mischief, the multi award-winning company behind The Play That Goes Wrong, Peter Pan Goes Wrong and The Comedy About a Bank Robbery bring an uproarious 1960’s spy escapade, bursting with bungled missions, tangled identities, and miscommunication that’s anything but covert to London’s Noël Coward Theatre.
When a rogue British agent pilfers plans for a top-secret weapon, CIA and KGB spies converge on London’s Piccadilly Hotel in pursuit of the elusive file. Add to the mix a clueless young couple, a hapless actor angling for the role of James Bond, and enough double agents to confuse even the sharpest operative, and you’ve got a mission that’s hilariously out of control.
On Tuesday 13th May, I was among the lucky audience of the press night for The Comedy about Spies at the Noel Coward Theatre. The theatre atmosphere was electric, expectations were high, and I’ve never seen a more competitive bar queue – everyone was visibly eager for a good time.
** Spoilers Hereon **
Spies are hardly a nuanced topic within the media. Even within the world of live stage performance, there are already many original works rooted in spycraft such as 39 Steps (2005), Democracy (2003), and more recently: Spies Are Forever (Tin Can Brothers, 2010) and The Spy Who Loved Me (2014). Nevertheless Mischief have proven masters at using a classic storytelling setting (Peter Pan, A Christmas Carol, a bank robbery, a murder mystery) and providing a fresh take through the lens of comedy. Therefore when it came to my attention that Mischief were developing A Comedy About Spies, I was certain they would work their magic on a saturated topic, and present something spectacular.
The Comedy About Spies is an absolutely stellar show from its production to its performance, and certainly a strong contender for best watch of the year. From start to finish I was grossly engaged in the deeply layered plot and richly developed characters playing it out. Mischief have smashed the target of a-laugh-a-minute, and lands a joke on practically every other line. The pace is so dynamic and the puns so quick, even TikTok addicts like myself would struggle to catch every joke the first time round.
Personal highlights definitely included the regular bread-related puns, the secret shopper (having been one myself), raising the alarm and being shaken (but not stirred – he’ll be alright), and then of course the comedic inventive use of dummies. I laughed so hard at the dummy scenes I was entirely out of breath, and clapped and whooped for a solid minute following. Credit must of course be given to the very talented writers Henry Lewis and Henry Shields, and also to the director Matt DiCarlo and set designer David Farley for bringing that delightful moment to life.
The set design in general was visually delicious. It struck a masterful balance between three large-scale primary sets – where most of the story unfolded – and a series of inventive smaller sets, including sliding doors, a tube carriage, and conveyor belts. The smaller sets were used to create seamless transitions and thrilling chase sequences. Movement Director Shelley Maxwell expertly integrated these dynamic pieces with fast-paced choreography, making full and effective use of the spaces.
Another standout element of The Comedy About Spies was the remarkable strength and clarity of its characters. From the moment they appeared on stage, the characters drew the audience in with their charm, quirks, and emotional depth. As the story unfolded, you found yourself genuinely invested in each characters’ journey, caring deeply about their fates and feeling real concern for their wellbeing, even during the obvious slapstick humour. This emotional connection is a testament to the superb writing, which skillfully balances sharp wit with authentic humanity, ensuring that the comedy never comes at the expense of character.
Dave Hearn excelled as Lance Buchanan, and having previously seen Dave playing the loveable but dim Max (Play that Goes Wrong, Peter Pan Goes Wrong, etc) it was great to watch him take on a new persona, with more lines and action. Chris Leask, as Sergei Ivanov, made me want to give the KGB a hug – genuinely. His delightfully inept character, fighting by himself, and the “friendship high-fives!” instantly made my heart go out to him. Henry Lewis as Douglas Woodbead was a perfect accompaniment to the storyline, providing frequent laughs through his hilariously outlandish behaviour, such as stealing a neighbouring hotel guest’s radio, combined with his complete obliviousness to the chaos unfolding around him.
A Comedy About Spies may not require a top-secret clearance to enjoy, but it certainly sneaks in plenty of laughs under the radar. With a script that sometimes feels like it’s gone rogue, the show still manages to complete its mission: delivering light-hearted fun. For fans of slapstick espionage – license to giggle granted.
Reviewer: Charlie O’Neill
The Comedy About Spies stars members of the original Mischief Company – Dave Hearn, Chris Leask, Henry Lewis, Charlie Russell, Henry Shields, Greg Tannahill and Nancy Zamit with Adele James making her Mischief debut. They are joined by ensemble members: Macadie Amoroso, Adam Byron, Matt Cavendish, Allie Dart, Niall Ransome and Ashley Tucker.
Written by original Mischief Company members Henry Lewis and Henry Shields, and presented by Kenny Wax and Stage Presence in association with Jo Danvers, The Comedy About Spies is now playing a limited season until Friday 5 September 2025.