Review: The Comedy About A Bank Robbery at the Criterion Theatre

The Comedy About A Bank Robbery
Criterion Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday 21st April 2016
★★★★

With The Play That Goes Wrong continuing to play to sold out houses at the Duchess and Peter Pan Goes Wrong set to return to the Apollo this Christmas, Mischief Theatre have premiered their new show The Comedy About A Bank Robbery at the West End's Criterion Theatre.

Breaking away from the "Goes Wrong" formula, original Mischief members take on new characters in the show which follows eight crooks who escape from prison on a quest to get their hands upon a diamond from a (slightly chaotic and less than organised) U.S. bank. 

The opening scenes of The Comedy About A Bank Robbery feature far more verbal comedy; writers Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields (who also star in the show) are absolute geniuses. Their writing is so tight - it's astoundingly clever.

A few scenes in and the psychical comedy begins to kick in, building up to the second act (which overall is stronger) during which Mischief take things to new heights. I don't want to give anything away, but one bird's-eye view scene left me feeling a little dizzy. Designer David Farley has done a stellar job. 

Directed by Mark Bell along with the Mischief team, The Comedy About A Bank Robbery strikes gold. The entire cast are superb comedy actors, their effortless chemistry and complete dedication to their work shines through. Staging The Comedy About A Bank Robbery was a bold move for Mischief, but the risk has certainly paid off. Now I'm even more excited to see what they take on next!

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

The Comedy About A Bank Robbery is booking at the Criterion Theatre to 2nd October 2016.
Please visit www.thecomedyaboutabankrobbery.com for further information and tickets.

Photo Credit: Darren Bell