THE COMEDY ABOUT SPIESReviews

‘The Comedy About Spies is a triumph that proves Mischief Theatre can handle a mission of this scale with the suave precision and devastating effect of 007 himself. It is a relentless, joyfully exhausting spectacle that managed to be both a sharp satire of the genre and a heartfelt tribute to the sheer silliness of the stage. Whether you’re a fan of high-stakes espionage or just high-quality slapstick, this is a mission you cannot afford to skip. It is a show so polished and entertaining that it would undoubtedly leave even the legendary James Bond stirred, if not shaken.’

‘The Comedy About Spies is a show that delivers exactly what it promises: a very funny, uncomplicated night of theatrical entertainment. For anyone wanting a couple of hours of escapism and plenty of laughs, this is Mischief doing what they do best..’

‘Still the funniest show in the West End, Mischief Comedy has struck gold once again in what I am certain is their greatest accomplishment to date. The Piccadilly Hotel may be struggling to hold on to its four-star rating, but The Comedy About Spies is at no risk of losing its five stars anytime soon. If the aim was to create comedy perfection, consider this mission accomplished.’

‘The Comedy About Spies’ understands that brilliantly executed silliness is a serious theatrical skill. Beneath all the collisions, confusion and escalating absurdity is an exceptionally disciplined piece of theatre, performed by artists who know exactly how far they can push a joke. This is an irresistible night of West End comedy and comes highly recommended.

“Writing an effective comedy show is no easy task; what seems hilarious on paper can easily fall flat in performance. However, writers Henry Lewis and Henry Shields did an incredible job. The Comedy About Spies delivers precisely what theatregoers are looking for. Following its initial run at the Noël Coward Theatre in 2025, the production has now transferred to the Adelphi Theatre.’

‘The Comedy About Spies understands that brilliantly executed silliness is a serious theatrical skill. Beneath all the collisions, confusion and escalating absurdity is an exceptionally disciplined piece of theatre, performed by artists who know exactly how far they can push a joke. This is an irresistible night of West End comedy and comes highly recommended.

‘From the multi-award-winning company behind The Play That Goes Wrong, Peter Pan Goes Wrong, and The Comedy About a Bank Robbery comes a brand-new spy caper packed with mistaken identities, Cold War intrigue, and Mischief Theatre’s signature physical comedy. Expect secrets, spies, spectacular mishaps, and an evening of nonstop laughter in The Comedy About Spies.’

‘There is funny, and then there is this (The Comedy About Spies). Revisiting something you loved the first time can be a tricky business. Often, those expectations aren’t met again. That’s why it’s so refreshing to reconnect with something that I happen to like even more. And chances are anyone who’s into Mischief’s signature droll humour will feel the same way. Because this show is nothing but a big fat joke — the kind you can’t help roaring about.’

The Comedy About Spies is hilarious, incredibly creative and gloriously silly. Its espionage plot provides the framework, but the real joy comes from watching Mischief push physical comedy to extremes.

‘As with every Mischief production, the work put into this one ensures it delivers on every farcical aspect imaginable, resulting in belly laughs and aching faces. With its sharpened script, superb cast and relentless silliness, The Comedy About Spies proves this is a spy mission well worth revisiting.’

‘The Comedy About Spies proves there are still plenty of laughs to be had. Kudos to writers Henry Lewis and Henry Shields. For a night of gloriously silly, expertly executed theatrical entertainment, this is one spy mission worth signing up for.’

‘The Comedy About Spies proves there are still plenty of laughs to be had. Kudos to writers Henry Lewis and Henry Shields. For a night of gloriously silly, expertly executed theatrical entertainment, this is one spy mission worth signing up for.’

‘Having seen many of Mischief’s works, I truly believe The Comedy About Spies is their best so far. Writers Henry Lewis and Henry Shields are masters of their craft and this is truly so much fun, it is a great summer treat. Go go go!’

With so many original Mischief members returning, the show is in expert hands. Its tight ensemble work really shines: Bryony Corrigan, David Hearn, Adele James, Chris Leask, Henry Lewis, Henry Shields, Greg Tannahill and Nancy Zamit deliver a commanding, tightly meshed performance of real complexity, demonstrating expert comedy chops and filling the stage with their presence. A little more light and shade in a couple of characterisations would sweeten the mix – but then farce isn’t famous for emotional depth.

Make The Comedy About Spies your top priority this summer. This gloriously British romp will have you laughing so hard you’ll blow your cover.

‘The Comedy About Spies is probably the funniest show in the West End at the moment. It’s part farce, part slapstick, part clowning, part intricate word play – and the sum of its parts makes for a hysterically funny play about spies – as far as Mischief Theatre is concerned, mission most definitely accomplished.‘

‘Returning to the West End in 2026, The Comedy About Spies once again features a script by Henry Lewis and Henry Shields and direction by Matt DiCarlo, with much of the original West End cast returning. Bryony Corrigan joins the company as Elena Popova. In this production, Mischief takes the “Goes Wrong” comic method it knows best and transports it into the world of 1960s spy cinema..’

‘The Comedy About Spies is a well-drilled, handsomely mounted production with a cast who never let the standard slip and design work that’s doing exactly what it needs to. It has moments of real comic invention, and the physical comedy in particular is executed with real skill.’

‘The Comedy About Spies‘s script is consistently sharp, and clever. Punchlines get planted several scenes before they detonate, homophones are worked to the point where sweet and suite become genuinely funny, and the whole thing is built with the rigour of an Aldwych farce wearing a trench coat.’