Forgotten lines, inept actors and a set with its screws loose form the heart of the new comedy, which transferred to Trafalgar Studios following a run at the Old Red Lion earlier this year.
Focusing on the many trials and tribulations of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society, the play tells the story of the company’s staging of 1920’s murder mystery Murder at Haversham Manor.
Chris the arrogant head of the drama society has directed the piece and cast himself as the dynamic Inspector, while desperate wannabe actress Sandra and the genuinely doting Max struggle opposite each other as the romantic interests and actor Dennis still can’t pronounce “façade”.
An hour of “delicately timed disaster” ensues; actors get knocked out, the play gets stuck on a loop and the set starts to disintegrate.
Produced by Mischief Theatre, the company comprises Henry Shields, Henry Lewis, Joshua Elliott, Jonathan Sayer, Lotti Maddox, Dave Hearn, Nancy Wallinger and Rob Falconer.