Celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Play That Goes Wrong this month with our interview with Jonathan Sayer, one of the co-creators of Mischief Theatre.
A headshot of Jonathan Sayer.
This month, The Play That Goes Wrong celebrates its 10th year anniversary in the West End. As a key member of its journey, Jonathan has helped deliver a unique brand of chaotic, laugh-out humour to stages across the world.
We spoke with Jonathan to find out about the origins of the show and what it's like to have a play where everything, quite literally, goes wrong become so successful on the West End stage.
1. Where did the inspiration for The Play That Goes Wrong come from?
If we go right back to the start, Henry Lewis worked with a man called Michael Green when he was at youth theatre who wrote a book called The Art of Coarse Acting, which was about different types of an all-round performer. He inspired Henry and his class to create their own versions. This helped to develop The Play That Goes Wrong in its early stages and our passion for silent comedies and physical humour also played a big part. We started out as an improv group and we wanted to capture the unpredictable energy of that in a scripted show.
2. For those who don’t know a lot about the show, can you tell our readers what it is about?
The Play That Goes Wrong follows an amateur theatre company attempting to stage a murder mystery play, but everything that can go wrong does. From collapsing sets to forgotten lines and botched entrances, the production descends into brilliant chaos.
3. Now celebrating its 10th year in the West End. What has been the key to its success?
If only I knew. Looking back, there has been so much luck involved. I think the idea that people want escapism and the value of just laughing a lot for two hours is something that’s remained the same. I believe that we came around at a time when I think we were doing very committed comedy and we’re putting in as many jokes as you possibly can in two hours.
4. What has been your most memorable moment from working on this show over the years?
The opening at Canterbury Marlowe was huge for us, we went from an audience of around 120 max to 1200. The show developed into two acts with this tremendously massive set and that feeling was awesome. For us who started off doing the show in small venues and I remember when we got it into the Pleasance in Edinburgh which we had tried to do for years, it was a really special moment for us.
5. What has been the most challenging aspect of developing and working on this show?
I think the really useful thing is that we’re a team. Usually in this industry, you are on your own, as a producer, a performer or a writer and you are trying to make something happen. The really lovely thing about mischief is that you are always trying to make things happen with a team and we’re so close that it often feels like a family. You value that as you get older too.
6. Why should people see The Play That Goes Wrong?
It’s really funny and you’ll have a good time. I think we all need a good laugh and it's good for us. It’s also laughter that we can guarantee for families, you can enjoy it as an adult or a young person. It’s a brilliant show for all occasions.
Finally, besides The Play That Goes Wrong, what other shows should people see in the West End?
I saw Operation Mincemeat about six months ago and was blown away. I thought it was absolutely fantastic. I also loved Dear England by James Graham. Six is also an amazing show and I’m looking forward to seeing Why Am I So Single? Soon. I adored Operation Mincemeat though, it is cool and original. I love the storytelling and the jokes. We also had similar journeys and you can feel that with that show and Six too. It brings a fullness to it.
The Play That Goes Wrong is currently playing at the Duchess Theatre until 1 February 2026. We've also got a great guide to the production with our four reasons to see The Play That Goes Wrong in the West End.
