English
English
4.3
Joanne VanceUnited Kingdom
Hilarious script, exagerated facial exoressiond and acting. We laughed gorctwo hours!
The Play That Goes Wrong
All photos
DURATION
2 hr with 1 interval
AGE LIMIT
Suitable for 8+ yrs
from
$94.80
AboutVenueTicketsReviews
Why watch The Play That Goes Wrong?
- Welcome to the opening night of The Murder at Haversham Manor, where everything that could go wrong spectacularly does, in one of the "funniest plays Broadway has ever seen" (The Huffington Post).
- Born from the minds of Mischief Theatre, Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields, this production has grown from a tiny London fringe to a Tony and Olivier Award-winning phenomenon.
- Expect flawless physical comedy, slapstick precision, and impeccable timing; every fall, fumble, and flub is choreographed to perfection. Nigel Hook's impeccable design makes the catastrophe look effortless.
- Produced by J.J. Abrams (Star Wars, Star Trek) and directed by Mark Bell (A Comedy About a Bank Robbery), the play continues to deliver laugh-out-loud mayhem.
- After its celebrated Broadway stint, the show has now found a lasting home off-Broadway, at the New World Stages. Book your tickets for The Play That Goes Wrong in New York now!
The Play That Goes Wrong is a metatheatrical masterpiece of comic timing and chaos. Created by the London-based Mischief Theatre company led by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields, it started with just a few audience members and evolved into an international sensation. The show debuted on the West End in 2014, earning the 2015 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy before transferring to Broadway in 2017, where it won the Tony Award for Best Scenic Design of a Play.
Now playing at New World Stages, this off-Broadway version keeps the hilarity alive with its signature collapsing sets, missed cues, and unflappable performers who carry on no matter how absurd things get. Produced by J.J. Abrams (yes, the Star Wars director, because why not?), it’s a production that celebrates theater's ability to laugh at itself. Variety called it “comic gold,” and audiences keep coming back for the joy of watching everything fall gloriously apart.
Storyline
It’s opening night for the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society’s latest murder mystery, The Murder at Haversham Manor. The stage is set, the actors are nervous, and nothing, absolutely nothing, goes according to plan. Props vanish, lines are lost, and corpses refuse to stay still, but the show must go on. What unfolds is two hours of escalating chaos, impeccable timing, and deadpan resilience as this plucky amateur troupe tries to reach the final curtain.
Show timings
Show timings for The Play That Goes Wrong may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Cast & crew
- Leading Roles: Trevor Braun as Dennis, Joanie Anderson as Annie, Kolby Kindle as Trevor, Chris Lanceley as Robert, Samuel Douglas as Max, Chris French as Jonathan, Evan Alexander Smith as Chris Bean, and Liana Hunt as Sandra.
- Director: Matt DiCarlo
- Producers: Kevin McCollum, J. J. Abrams, Kenny Wax, Stage Presence Ltd. and Catherine Schreiber
- Writers: Henry Lewis, Henry Shields, and Jonathan Sayer
- Design: Nigel Hook
- Lighting: Jeremy Cunningham
- Costume: Roberto Surace
- Sound: Beth Lake
Note: Producers cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, which is always subject to illness and holidays.
Age & content guide
- The play is recommended for children aged 8 years and above.
- Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!
New World Stages - Stage 4 Read more
New World Stages is a purpose-built Off-Broadway complex in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen neighbourhood. Situated at 340 West 50th Street, this five-theater venue has hosted long-running hits like Avenue Q and Jersey Boys. Its intimate setting and flexible design make it an ideal home for this show’s dynamic set pieces and fast-paced comedy.
The New World Stages seating chart will help you find the best seats in the theater.
Getting there
- Address: 340 West 50th Street, New York, NY, 10019
- Subway: The nearest subway station is 50 St.
- Bus: BXM2, M104, M20, M50, Q32 and QM10 servethe area.
Facilities & accessibility
Available facilities: Restrooms, bar, cloakroom, elevator
Accessibility: Wheelchair access, audio description, assistive listening, accessible restrooms, companion seating
Additional information
- Security: To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.
- Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.
- Outside food: While outside food isn't usually allowed, many theaters have cafes or restaurants nearby for you to check out before or after the show.
Tickets redemption
- You’ll get an instant email confirmation right after you book your tickets.
- Enjoy a hassle-free entrance to the venue by showing your mobile ticket and a valid photo ID – no printout necessary!
Cancellation & refunds
- Tickets cannot be refunded, amended, or rescheduled.
Ratings & reviews
4.3
1,995 ratings
1.2K
577
56
40
122
Joanne
Oct 2025Verified booking
Hilarious script, exagerated facial exoressiond and acting. We laughed gorctwo hours!
Chandraprakash
Jul 2025Verified booking
Everything was perfect, the performances, music, humour. We were fortunate to have great seats as well.
Nir
Jul 2025Verified booking
It was all of the above. I had a really enjoyed the play.
Lysette
Nov 2025Verified booking
Jeff
Nov 2025Verified booking
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Frequently asked questions about The Play That Goes Wrong
How much do tickets to The Play That Goes Wrong in New York cost?
The cost of the tickets starts from $94.80 and will vary depending on the type of seat you choose.
What age is the play appropriate for?
The play does not have a strict age limit. However, it is most suitable for ages 8 years and above.
Where is the show playing in New York?
The show is playing at the New World Stages (Stage 4) in New York.
How long does the play run for?
The running time of the play is 2 hours with one intermission.
What is The Play That Goes Wrong about?
The play follows the hapless Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society as they present a 1920s murder mystery, where every possible mishap, from missed cues to collapsing sets, unfolds in brilliantly comic fashion.
Who are the main cast members of the play?
The main cast includes Trevor Braun as Dennis, Joanie Anderson as Annie, Kolby Kindle as Trevor, Chris Lanceley as Robert, Samuel Douglas as Max, Chris French as Jonathan, Evan Alexander Smith as Chris Bean, and Liana Hunt as Sandra.
What awards has the show won?
It won the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy (2015) and the Tony Award for Best Scenic Design of a Play (2017) for Nigel Hook’s ingenious collapsing set.
What makes this play unique compared to other comedies?
Unlike typical sitcom-style humour, The Play That Goes Wrong thrives on precision. Every “mistake” is carefully choreographed to create a domino effect of chaos that’s both technical and hilarious.
What’s the meaning of “a play within a play”?
It means the characters are actors performing another play, in this case, The Murder at Haversham Manor, and both their scripted roles and real-life mishaps unfold on stage simultaneously.
How is the set designed to “go wrong”?
The Tony-winning scenic design by Nigel Hook (The 39 Steps) includes breakaway walls, falling chandeliers, and hidden mechanics timed perfectly for each mishap.
How does it compare to Mischief Theatre’s other shows?
If you’ve seen Peter Pan Goes Wrong or Magic Goes Wrong, you’ll recognise the same brand of slapstick precision and escalating absurdity; this one started it all.
Does the audience participate in the show?
Yes, subtly! The actors occasionally break the fourth wall and respond to the audience as part of the chaos, but no one is brought on stage.
What’s the tone of humour, British or American?
It’s distinctly British in rhythm and understatement but lands perfectly with American audiences who love physical comedy and self-aware satire.