Review of ‘The Comedy About Spies’: “Scene-shaking, laughter-stirring camp”

Mischief’s latest creation lands on the West End stage, bringing back its signature humour into the secret-agent world. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show, to let us know if this thunderball of slapstick turns out to be a view to kill.

This may not be the usual James Bond escapade you’re expecting. But in many aspects, it is 007 times better. If you’re familiar with these farce moguls’ previous incursions, you’re probably aware of how many, MANY things have gone wrong in the past – to their own benefit, that is. With their debut show now celebrating its 10th anniversary in the West End, the company has walked only a few streets away from the Duchess Theatre for the opening of their latest gamble: an absurd 1950s-themed parody of the undercover agent plot concept, guaranteed to crack the F-BI out of you.

Enter The Comedy About Spies. Admittedly, not the best title; relievingly, not a determinant of the show’s quality. An absolute joy from start to finish, the piece lands as arguably Mischief’s most accomplished effort ever since The Play… (we know what happens next)—reaching almost completely that unadulterated freshness that made the piece and its company alike a brand on their own.

Audiences’ persistent reaction during last Tuesday’s gala night certifies that statement. Not only is it extremely difficult (if not impossible) not to burst into hysterical laughter, but you won’t be able to hold it for any longer than 5 minutes straight. An utmost tour de force in the slapstick genre, its perfectly balanced mixture of absurd situations, physical humour, and the most delightful and wittily stupid puns, make it the perfect selection if a lively, uncomplicated night out at the theatre is what you’re seeking to spend your money and pennies, Miss.

With a highly engaging narrative dealing with an international conflict involving Russian, American, and British spies, the script puts its intelligence in the story’s service – going beyond the nonsensical comedy sketch style and developing a recount that keeps the viewer entertained throughout. It has everything you could ever hope for in an espionage tale: action, deception, romance, and annoying mommas nagging their spy kids (no pun intended) about how to do their jobs.

It’s an uproariously amusing ride you genuinely wish not to hop off from – keeping its energy through the roof, with just a few short excerpts lacking the same degree of sass and jest the show flaunts on the whole. The same praise goes to its astutely devised and occasionally wowing set design – not falling for the easy excuse of spoofs requiring a cheap look, and instead regaling us with a rather opulent array of scenes that’s certain to impress at some points; and at others, put someone in stitches with several loose-wire moments (sometimes, quite literally…).

Featuring the several recurring Mischief company members (some of whom belong to the original gang), the cast boasts incredible chemistry all throughout. Delivering their parts with excellent timing and infectious stamina, their electrifying presence and commanding execution doesn’t come across as a professional endeavour, but as a friendly get-together where a bunch of talented pals plays along just for the sake of having some fun. The result is, consequently, impeccable – with every single performer doing total justice to their roles and making an indelible impression on the viewer.

I phased out my interest in the James Bond pictures a while ago – regardless of how much I fantasized about the actors that portrayed him moon-raking my octopussy… What? What have I said? But it shouldn’t be classified (and it definitely wasn’t) how enjoyable Mischief’s most recent creation was to me. A deliciously pithy, tongue-in-cheek jaunt full of memorable excerpts, it’s no top secret that this newest offer is a glorious triumph in every sense – and you should totally keep a golden eye on it while you can.

The Comedy About Spies plays at London’s Noël Coward Theatre until 5 September. Tickets are available on the following link.

By Guillermo Nazara