The production took an unusual approach to advertising, advising people, "Save Money — Don't Come." But some 170,000 people have since defied that advice, with the show selling nearly £4m worth of tickets.
In a press statement writer and cast member Jonathan Sayer says has commmented, "Due to the amazing success of this production I will be taking my girlfriend on holiday and can now afford to buy myself a winter coat. I hope my girlfriend doesn't read this because the holiday is a surprise."
Producer Kenny Wax adds, "The only problem we have is with audience members complaining that certain lines in the show are being drowned out by the continuous laughter. We have attempted to solve this problem by selling play scripts in the foyer. But this has inadvertently created another opportunity because there are now 15 international productions in the pipeline. Talks are also ongoing for plans to open the show in New York in July with the U.K. cast."
The show's West End landlord Nica Burns of Nimax Theatres comments, "This little gem of a play, written and performed by a group of unemployed drama school graduates from LAMDA is, to their utter surprise, on its way to being the most successful play at the Duchess in the last decade. This makes me laugh with delight. Just like the audience. As they tell me that no one else will give them a job, they will be seen at the Duchess for a very long time to come."
Amongst those who have seen the show in the West End are Harrison Ford, Tom Hardy, Star Wars director JJ Abrams, Joanna Lumley, Robert Lindsay, Richard E Grant and Mike Leigh. The Play That Goes Wrong is directed by Mark Bell, with set designs by Nigel Hook, lighting by Ric Mountjoy, sound design by Andy Johnson, costumes by Roberto Surace and is performed by Mischief Theatre members: Rob Falconer, Dave Hearn, Henry Lewis, Charlie Russell, Jonathan Sayer, Henry Shields, Greg Tannahill and Nancy Wallinger. It is produced in the West End by Kenny Wax Ltd and Stage Presence Ltd.
To book tickets, which are on sale through Sept. 6 2015, contact the box office on 0844 412 4659, or visit theplaythatgoeswrong.com
