Laugh-Out-Loud Fun: The Play That Goes Wrong at Grand Theatre in London, Ontario

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There’s no question—this is one of the most confounding plays I’ve seen. The 2025-26 Grand Theatre season opened up with a gala event and a comedy that may be the ticket you need to rediscover the magic of live theatre. The Play That Goes Wrong runs until November 2nd at The Grand Theatre in London, Ontario. I caught it on the first night of the run (not on opening night), and I’ve been genuinely torn on whether to recommend it. What I can say is it has stuck with me.

If you are a fan of physical comedy, vaudeville-style acts, and relentless running gags in the spirit of “Airplane” and “Naked Gun,” this production will be right up your alley. Personally, this is not my favourite form of comedy, but I cannot deny that plenty of Grand Theatre patrons were absolutely delighted, laughing at every pratfall, flubbed line, and unexpected stumble. 

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Under the talented direction of Dennis Garnhum, the cast moved from one mishap to the next with ease. Having worked with most of the cast and successfully mounted a Western tour, Garnhum seemed relaxed about coming ‘home’ to London with this production. As the past Artistic Director of the Grand Theatre from 2017 to 2023, he is well versed in what keeps the London audience engaged and entertained.

The timing, particularly from Andrew MacDonald-Smith, Honey Pham, and John Ullyatt, is spot-on.  This is not the production’s first rodeo in Canada.  In 2024, it had successful stops in Edmonton, Calgary, and Winnipeg.  The Grand Theatre’s ongoing collaboration with Garnhum and Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre is proving fruitful: last year’s partnership brought us Heist, and this year will include Disney’s Frozen.  

Garnhum not only shepherds the cast through perfectly timed mishaps but also cleverly blurs the line between reality and performance right from the start.  At first, the casual attire of some of the characters and the presence of the “Grand Theatre” staff make it hard to tell where the show begins and backstage ends.  It’s only when one intrepid cast member attempts to climb out of the balcony that the illusion snaps—and you realize, that the chaos is entirely by design.  

The immersive confusion sets the tone for the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society’s disastrous night, pulling the audience into the mayhem before the opening lines are even muttered.

Starring Cast

Honey Pham is a standout as Annie, the stage manager who’s initially determined to stay in the wings.  Reluctant at first, she’s unexpectedly thrust onto the stage as ‘Florence Colleymoore,’ and what begins as hesitation soon turns into wholehearted commitment—much to the surprise of leading lady Sandra.  Pham’s comedic timing, expressive physicality, and truly priceless reactions help drive the momentum of the entire show.  Watching her embrace each mishap was a highlight, and I hope to see her again at the Grand Theatre.

Vanessa Leticia Jetté tackles Sandra (the cheating wife and over-the-top leading lady) with impressive stamina, dragged and flung about the stage night after night.  Her chemistry with Pham delivers some of the funniest scenes in The Play That Goes Wrong.

Andrew MacDonald-Smith and John Ullyatt shine in their dual, play-within-a-play roles.  MacDonald-Smith (as Max, Cecil Haversham, and Arthur) is a hoot—from precarious balcony antics to gleeful stage lunges, he keeps the audience laughing.  Ullyatt, meanwhile, nails the butler Perkins with his ongoing mispronunciation gag—a simple joke, but handled with enough finesse and timing to keep it fresh.

Ullyatt is a veteran of the original Citadel production and sees this new iteration differently because with new actors (Jawon Mapp plays Robert (who plays ‘Thomas Colleymoore’)), everyone must adjust to different timing and interpretations of the character.  He is experienced enough to know that working out the kinks will get better as the show builds momentum.  

And truly, the set deserves top billing as a character.  Crashing chandeliers, revolving bookcases, and collapsing props turn every scene into organized chaos.  Set designer Beyata Hachborn—who also crafted last year’s Heist—has outdone herself. I always appreciate a set that is thoughtfully designed, beautiful to behold, practical in function, and seamlessly integrated into the storytelling. 

All in all, if you enjoy physical comedy, hijinx, and the pure spectacle of things falling apart in the most theatrical way possible, The Play That Goes Wrong will deliver a memorable night out at The Grand Theatre in London, Ontario. 

Details to Know: Ticket Price, Location

The Play That Goes Wrong plays on the Spriet Stage at the Grand Theatre from October 14 to November 2. Single tickets range from $25 to $97 and are available at grandtheatre.com, by phone at 519.672.8800, or at the Box Office, 471 Richmond Street, London, Ontario.

Feature Image – Photo Credit: Pictured: Company members of The Play That Goes Wrong at the Grand Theatre. Director – Dennis Garnhum. Fight & Movement Director – Morgan Yamada. Set Designer – Beyata Hackborn. Costume Designer – Joseph Abetria. Lighting Designer – Kimberly Purtell. Composer & Sound Designer – Dave Pierce

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