The Comedy About Spies
Review by Sam
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mischief agents have infiltrated the Noël Coward Theatre for their latest laugh a minute production, firing on all cylinders to deliver their biggest, boldest and most action-packed adventure to date.
Paying tribute to classic spy thrillers, The Comedy About Spies is a riotous 1960’s escapade which follows CIA and KGB agents as they converge on a London hotel in pursuit of a file leaked by a rogue British agent. When a clueless couple and hapless actor end up intertwined in the operation, the mission blows out of control with mistaken identities and miscommunications aplenty.
As a fan of Mischief, I can confidently say this is the most jam-packed production they have ever produced. Henry Shields and Henry Lewis' script is slickly woven together, layering signature comedy with convoluted escapades, genius wordplay and grand-scaled visual gags into perfectly organised chaos. Whilst the narrative is full of twists and turns, some feel more obvious than others, however this never detracts as each act reaches a climactic and silly resolution.
Matt DiCarlo marks his West End directorial debut, seamlessly handling the cast to shape one of the funniest plays of the year. Adding creative flair is special agents Shelly Maxwell (movement director) and David Farley (set designer), who both help create one of the busiest and most impressive visual shows that Mischief have ever achieved. A highlight is the four adjoining rooms within the hotel for a prolonged scene, utilising trapdoors and props to add to the zany fun. Greg Tannahill (fight director) also incorporates well-choreographed and action-packed thrills into an already fast-paced comedy.
The entire cast are outstanding, delivering tight dialogue and physical comedy in equal measure. Whilst it's hard to choose a standout performance, Chris Leak had me laughing the most, with his characterisation of Sergei becoming scene stealing funny.
The Comedy About Spies is truly Mischief theatre doing what they do best. It blends charm, clever writing, playful humour and fantastic acting into the perfect cocktail, which is best served shaken, not stirred.