When disaster strikes, laughter follows… repeatedly.
If you had the joy of seeing The Play That Goes Wrong, then you know it’s a masterclass in comedic chaos. From collapsing scenery to flubbed lines and hilariously overcommitted performances, this show delivers nonstop laughter. While it’s nearly impossible to choose just five, here are the top moments that had audiences in absolute stitches:
1. The Repeating Lines (and the Unforgettable Spit Take)
At the heart of live theater is the unpredictable—and when characters get caught in an accidental loop of repeating lines, the result is comedy gold. Add in a perfectly mistimed (and generously sprayed) spit take MULTIPLE TIMES, and the scene turns into an uproarious mess of confusion, frustration, and surprise. It’s the kind of moment where the actors’ commitment to the bit is as impressive as it is hilarious.
2. The Wall of Woes: Objects Keep Falling (and They Keep Putting Them Back)
Cecil Haversham and Thomas Colleymore deserve medals for endurance and timing during the infamous “wall mishaps.” As set pieces begin to tumble off the walls mid-scene, the two struggle desperately—and with increasing panic—to restore order without breaking character. Their back-and-forth attempts to prop up pictures and décor while trying to maintain dialogue is slapstick perfection.
3. Florence Colleymore and the Window Debacle
When Florence Colleymore gets knocked out cold, what’s the logical solution? Pull her limp body through a tiny window, of course. What follows is one of the most side-splitting physical comedy routines of the entire show. Cast and crew awkwardly maneuver, hoist, and wrestle with the unresponsive Florence in a valiant (and ridiculous) effort to keep the show going. The audience reaction? Roaring laughter.
4. The Not-So-Smooth Exit of Charles Haversham
When it’s time to remove the “lifeless” body of Charles Haversham from the scene, the cast attempts what should be a simple task. But nothing is ever simple in The Play That Goes Wrong. What follows is a hilariously botched effort that includes an unceremonious slide, a very uncooperative stretcher, and a dramatic exit that leaves poor Charles in quite the predicament. It’s a moment that perfectly captures the show’s blend of physical comedy and escalating absurdity.
5. Annie and Trevor’s (Very) Dramatic Interpretation of Florence Colleymore
When the actors start dropping, it’s up to stage manager Annie and technician Trevor to save the show—and their attempts to fill in for Florence Colleymore are gloriously terrible. From stiff body language to bizarre vocal inflections, their performances are the theatrical equivalent of duct tape and hope. The result? Some of the biggest laughs of the night.
Special Mention: Trevor’s Unexpected Moment with Arthur the Gardener
Of all the unexpected moments in the show, one of the biggest laugh-getters comes from Trevor and Arthur the Gardener. What begins as a simple case of filling in onstage quickly spirals into something wildly absurd—and side-splittingly funny! We won’t spoil the gag, but trust us: it’s worth seeing for yourself. Audiences have erupted with laughter every time, proving that even the crew can deliver some of the show’s most unforgettable comedy.
Whether you laughed until you cried or are still laughing over your favorite parts, these moments are what made The Play That Goes Wrong so incredibly right. What was your favorite moment? Don’t miss the encore performances of The Play That Goes Wrong, returning by popular demand September 19–21 at Abrams Spotlight Productions! If you missed it the first time—or just want to laugh all over again—this is your chance to experience the hilarious mayhem that had audiences in stitches. Tickets are on sale now, so mark your calendars and grab your seats before they’re gone. Join us for one more round of theatrical disaster done right!
