The Comedy About Spies at the Adelphi - REVIEWS
‘MASTERS OF MODERN FARCE. Cleverly written, expertly directed, brilliantly performed, and technically flawless.’
‘MASTERS OF MODERN FARCE. Cleverly written, expertly directed, brilliantly performed, and technically flawless.’
Broadway World
‘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.’
ESPIONAGE HAS NEVER BEEN THIS SILLY
ESPIONAGE HAS NEVER BEEN THIS SILLY
West End Best Friend
‘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..’
'UNRELENTING FIRE OF GAGS FROM START TO FINISH'
'UNRELENTING FIRE OF GAGS FROM START TO FINISH'
All That Dazzles
‘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.’
‘DELIGHTFUL CHAOS'
‘DELIGHTFUL CHAOS'
Jolien’s Theatre Diary
“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.’
‘Perhaps the MOST IMPRESSIVE PRODUCTION IN MISCHIEF’S EXTENSIVE CATALOGUE’
‘Perhaps the MOST IMPRESSIVE PRODUCTION IN MISCHIEF’S EXTENSIVE CATALOGUE’
Adventures in Theatreland
‘Most of the cast have returned from the 2025 run, with Bryony Corrigan taking over the role of Russian spy Elena Popova, and each performs their part to perfection. They not only excel in comedy, but through a combination of their performances, Lewis and Shields’ writing and Matt DiCarlo’s direction, succeed in genuinely moving the audience by the end of the show.
Perhaps the most impressive production in Mischief’s extensive catalogue, The Comedy About Spies well deserves its return to the West End.’
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‘MASTERS OF MODERN FARCE. Cleverly written, expertly directed, brilliantly performed, and technically flawless.’
‘MASTERS OF MODERN FARCE. Cleverly written, expertly directed, brilliantly performed, and technically flawless.’
The Theatre Reviewer
‘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.’
‘NO TOP SECRET THIS IS A GLORIOUS TRIUMPH’
‘NO TOP SECRET THIS IS A GLORIOUS TRIUMPH’
First Night Magazine
‘There is funny, and then there is this. 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.’
‘THIS GLORIOUSLY BRITISH ROMP WILL HAVE YOU LAUGHING SO HARD YOU’LL BLOW YOUR COVER’
‘THIS GLORIOUSLY BRITISH ROMP WILL HAVE YOU LAUGHING SO HARD YOU’LL BLOW YOUR COVER’
The Spy in the Stalls
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.
‘BEAUTIFULLY CONSTRUCTED MAYHEM’
‘BEAUTIFULLY CONSTRUCTED MAYHEM’
London Theatre 1
“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.‘
‘WONDERFULLY ENTERTAINING’
‘WONDERFULLY ENTERTAINING’
Theatre & Tonic
“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..’