Notes From Row H

Theatre Reviews

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  • The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

    West End Theatre Review – The Ambassadors Theatre

    Created and written by Jethro Compton and Darren Clark, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button initially played at the Southwark Playhouse and following a very successful run there, transferred to the Ambassador’s Theatre in October 2024. 

    At its core, this musical revolves around Benjamin Button as he navigates the mysterious predicament of aging backwards. Set when World War One is ending and covering major events in the 20th Century like the Apollo Moon Landing and World War Two, this musical moves away from the short story written by F Scott Fitzgerald in 1922, and is set in a Cornish fishing village. At its centre, it is a love story between Benjamin Button and a Cornish bar maid, Elowen, (played by John Dalgliesh and Clare Foster respectively), which is narrated by The Strangers, who guide the audience through Benjamin’s life. This gives the show an enchanting and traditional folky feel – which makes the viewing experience magical and enthralling.

    There is often talk about the so-called ‘Triple Threat’, and if ever there was a time to use the term, it would be to describe the insanely talented group of actor-muso performers that make up the company of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. I have never seen such incredible work than I did on that stage: the ensemble were here there and everywhere, often playing instruments whilst singing beautiful songs and dancing – all the while telling a beautiful, funny, heartwarming, and at times heart wrenching story of time, love, and loss. 

    Compton and Clark’s music, score and storytelling are woven together in a beautiful way, and they are lovely such ear worms that you won’t mind singing them day in day out! The set, which is also designed by Compton, immerses the audience in the Cornish fishing village and is very cleverly used when the scene changes to the local pub The Pickled Crab, boats, or Benjamin’s house. Sometimes it is very refreshing to have a musical that does not have scene changes and requires the audience to use their imagination – it really immerses you in the story.   

    This show has put actor-muso shows back on the West End where it belongs, and I hope that, in the future, more shows like this are able to showcase such talent that this ensemble has. It is quite frankly one of the best pieces of theatre I have ever seen.

    Written by Helena Featherstone

  • The Comedy About Spies

    West End Theatre Review – The Noel Coward Theatre

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    Running in the Noel Coward Theatre until 5th September 2025, Mischief’s Comedy about Spies departs from their beloved ‘Goes Wrong’ genre and delves into something that is more akin to The Comedy about a Bank Robbery – their West End smash hit from 2016.  

    Directed by Matt DiCarlo (Play that Goes Wrong, Moulin Rouge) and penned by Henry Lewis and Henry Shields, and featuring many of Mischief’s OGs, The Comedy about Spies is a show that cements Mischief as one of the best comedic troupes in London. 

    Set during the Cold War, the play is centred around The Piccadilly Hotel and spies from the CIA (Dave Hearn and Nancy Zamit) and KGB (Chris Leask and Charlie Russell) who are trying to find the illusive ‘Project Midnight’ which will (apparently) stop the war in its tracks. What follows is a hilarious series of events, which will leave even the most austere M15 agent beaming with joy.

    It would not be a Mischief show without added chaos, so mix in some unwitting civilians: a baker called Bernard (Shields) and his partner Rosemary (Adele James), a wannabe actor (Lewis), and hotel manager (Greg Tannahill), and you have a recipe for mistaken identities, linguistic misunderstandings, groanworthy puns, and incredible physicality.

    Along with the tremendous set designs created by David Farley, costumes designed by Deborah Andrews, and lighting designer Johanna Town, the play rockets along taking the audience through a wild ride of hilarity, intruige and fast paced gags. Whether it be in MI5 itself, on the tube, in the Piccadilly Hotel, or a submarine, this play succeeds in making an audience lose itself in a world of espionage and humour – and maybe even cry with laughter!

    In a typical Mischief way, Lewis and Shields have managed to balance chaos and carnage with the ability to tell a fantastic story.

    With something for everyone, this show promises to be one of Mischief’s best yet, and I for one, cannot wait to see what they come up with next. 

    Written by Helena Featherstone