16 – 20 June

Formed in 2008 by alumni from the LAMDA Drama School, Mischief Theatre have been making us chuckle ever since. The Play That Goes Wrong, their celebrated slapstick whodunnit, is the longest running comedy show in West End history. A host of subsequent Goes Wrong stablemates have followed the same successful formula, from magic shows to A Christmas Carol to Peter Pan. Their unique brand of chaotic physical comedy, (meticulously choreographed and rehearsed), has won plaudits and accolades the world over, including multiple Olivier and Tony awards and nominations. Thespians marks a bold artistic and creative departure for the company, but how will their signature chaotic brand of comedy adapt to a musical theatre format?

Mischief mainstays Jonathan Sayer (writer) and Ed Zanders (co-writer, composer and lyricist) have combined to create something refreshingly different for this show. Whereas previous collaborations have repeatedly mined a rich comic seam which fuses human error and farcical chaos, Thespians applies the same Mischief hallmarks – relentless high-energy; slick, rapid-fire, witty scriptwriting and utter silliness – in a heartwarming, hilarious homage to the origins of acting itself. Western theatre traces its roots back to religious festivals and civic competitions honouring Dionysus, the Greek god of wine. Truth often being stranger than fiction, the play is inspired by the tale of Thespis, a 6th-century BCE Greek poet who is historically credited as the world’s first recorded actor and playwright, hence “thespians”. The plot revolves around a fictional drought which has ravaged the island of Ikaria in 534 BCE that compels the residents, led by Thespis, to enter a Eurovision-style prayer competition (the Dionysia) instigated by Athenian ruler The Tyrant, with Thespis inadvertently inventing the art of acting along the way.

Director Robyn Grant has assembled a richly talented ensemble cast. James Spence excels in only his second professional role as Thespis but is equalled by Marc Pickering as lovable failure Adonis,

by Claire-Marie Hall as Thespis’ sister Poly and by a wonderfully camp turn as The Tyrant from Rhys Taylor.

Allie Dart and Josh Patel-Foster hilariously link the Ancient Greek pun-infested narrative together as a scaled-back chorus of two. In truth, the whole cast is exceptional. Designer Jasmine Swan’s lavish, beautifully decorated and flexible set is mobile and multi-functional whilst also being recognisably inspired by Grecian classical architecture.

And of course it is a musical too. Whilst some of the first act numbers are more forgettable, the second half provides some memorable moments, most notably chief elder Melampus’ Old Man Tango performed by the excellent Mia Jerome alongside a geriatric chorus line, and Rhys Taylor’s highly amusing The Tyrant Song, all accompanied by musical director Ben Smith’s impressive three-piece band. The score and script are littered with knowing nods and allusions to more contemporary pop culture, with everything from Cats to Chicago, from Notting Hill to Wicked in their sights, although the rapid-fire dialogue may have concealed many more.

Fundamentally, this is a show about celebrating who we are as individuals, but more importantly about having empathy for others, surely the very essence of acting itself. As the real Thespis may very well not have said, there is much to be gained by walking a Greek mile in someone else’s sandals. Thespians is a joyous two hours of musical comedy with West End production values. For all its daftness, slapstick comedy, its pantoesque feel and fourth-wall-busting elements, it has an honest, poignant and endearing humanity which lies at its core.

★★★★★ Tony Clarke, 17 June 2026