I'm always a bit cautious inviting a guest to travel out on a week night to see a comedy theatre listing, knowing I will feel responsible if it falls flat. With comedy being especially subjective, it is a risk.

I had previously thought I should see ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ as it has received a lot of high praise before me. And indeed, I shall now add to it.

The production, currently on at the Theatre Royal Bath until Saturday, is a real hoot. At several points I literally cried with laughter and whenever I snuck a glance sideways, I could see my companion was cracking up too. 

Before the play had even officially started, the audience were chortling at warm-up antics. And even the show guide played along in the same vein. 

Although in my own comedy of errors I managed to lose it - once when it could be retrieved from the bathroom, and another more final loss at the end of the night. So I only had the pleasure of reading part of it.

This play-within-a-play follows The Cornley Drama Society attempting to put on a 1920s murder mystery. As the title suggests, everything that can go wrong - does. 

While in general, I’m not much of a fan of slapstick comedy, this play is surprisingly clever. Of course as the description and photos signpost - there is a lot of physical comedy, assisted by a very clever set design. But there is also plenty of word play and wit to lift the humour.

I did find a couple of scenes went on a little long, becoming repetitive and threatening to lose my interest. But thankfully with a new surprise laugh always just around the corner I never did fall over the edge.

I left the theatre feeling thoroughly entertained, and glad I went despite earlier reservations that I was just too tired and busy to sit in a theatre for a couple of hours.

Being thanked by the cast for supporting live theatre post-Covid was a lovely final touch.

The Play That Goes Wrong is on at the Theatre Royal Bath until Saturday. Tickets can be purchased on its website here.