The title says it all. Imagine an inept amateur dramatic society struggling with just about every theatrical disaster known to man as they attempt to stage a murder mystery, and you will have some idea of the comic mayhem that unfolds in The Play That Goes Wrong.

^{The cast of The Play That Goes Wrong. Photo © Jeff Busby}

I found myself laughing out loud a good deal more than I have done for a long time in the theatre – and not because of my little pre-show encounter. Sitting in the stalls, a dapper chap sidled up and asked for “Miss Litson” then slipped me an envelope, explaining ingratiatingly that he thought I had dropped it. Opening it, I found a five dollar note marked “BRIBE”. Hilarious! I gather the same thing happened to New York Times critic Ben Brantley when he reviewed the show in London so I’m in good company.

Checking the programme, I discovered that my visitor was Chris Bean, President of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society, and Director of The Murder at Haversham Manor. He is also set and costume designer, prop maker, box office manager, press...