Mischief Theatre is back with a brand new show – but is it a hilarious success or does it fall on its face? Here is what critics have been making of it…
The Guardian: **** Mark Lawson said: “In visual gags and physical slapstick, though, the show is thrillingly and daringly inventive.”
The Telegraph: ***** Dominic Cavendish wrote: “If it doesn’t run for yonks, call me The Critic That Goes Wrong.”
Evening Standard: ** Fiona Mountford was less impressed saying: “it would be so much more effective if things could go wrong around a tightly coiled narrative, instead of the grab-bag of styles and references here.”
Time Out: **** Stewart Pringle found: “The Comedy About a Bank Robbery must rate as the best new comedy to open straight onto the West End in decades.”
WhatsOnStage: ***** Mark Valencia summed it up by saying: “It’s the funniest play since Noises Off.”
London Theatre.co.uk: **** Mark Shenton commented that: “The show is one long blast of laughter, ricocheting around the auditorium and barely making it all the way around before another round is set off.”
Radio Times: Tony Peters raved that: “The choreography of the set pieces is masterly, full of invention and surprises.”
A Younger Theatre: Rob Ellis wrote: “Mischief Theatre have created their most ambitious project yet, a chaotic masterpiece that shows off the phenomenal acting talent they have on board.”
West End Wilma: **** Jimmy Richards warns potential audiences: “I must warn you, if you’re going to watch it you’ll need three things; A sense of humour, an open mind and a spare pair of knickers!”
London Theatre 1: **** Chris Omaweng found: “There are elements of the plot that are never properly explored or explained, but the show is best enjoyed by overlooking the shortcomings in the narrative, and going with the flow.”
British Theatre Guide: Philip Fisher commented: “In summary, anyone that needs cheering up should pop along to the lovely, compact Criterion Theatre for a dose of energising laughter.”
West End Frame: **** Andrew Tomlins said: “The entire cast are superb comedy actors, their effortless chemistry and complete dedication to their work shines through.”
Culture Whisper: ***** “This is simply one of the most original, sparkling productions out there.”
Theatre Cat: **** “it’s daft and deft, pantomimic and parodic, physical and fantastical, pure pleasure delivered with dashing precision.”
Love London Love Culture: “just when you think it couldn’t get bigger or better, it does.”
West End Whingers: **** “This show looks set to occupy the Criterion for a very long time indeed.”
Theatre Guide London: “the tight and unflagging pacing is evidence of a strong directorial hand and comic sensibility.”
The Financial Times: “Laugh-a-minute comedy from ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ writers refuses not to be loved.”
The Times: ***** “Yet laughs this plentiful and this good are rare indeed. A joyful night out.”
The Comedy About a Bank Robbery plays at the Criterion Theatre. To book tickets visit: Ticketmaster.co.uk, Discount Theatre.com, Last Minute.com,Theatre Tickets Direct.co.uk, Love Theatre.com, Theatre People.com and UK Tickets.co.uk.