What happens when everything that shouldn’t happen in a play, does? That’s the chaotic brilliance behind The Play That Goes Wrong, BurlOak Theatre Group’s upcoming production. This award-winning comedy has become a worldwide hit for its mix of pratfalls, collapsing sets, misplaced props, and actors determined to carry on against all odds.
Hitting the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts September 26–28, the show promises a night of laughter and mayhem for theatre lovers and newcomers alike.
Speaking with Director Ryan Fisher on how he approached this famously chaotic production, it quickly became clear that every “mistake” is the result of meticulous planning. Blocking, character work, and months of refining pratfalls, stage combat, and split-second timing, Ryan and his cast have carefully built the illusion of disaster, crafting a show that looks like it’s falling apart at the seams while running with precision behind the curtain.
A Love Letter to Theatre
Beyond the slapstick, The Play That Goes Wrong is a love letter to the unpredictability and excitement of live theatre. While the stage may seem like it’s falling apart at every turn, the heart of the show lies in its timing, creativity, and the performers’ ability to adapt on the fly. Audiences can expect a rollercoaster of visual gags, perfectly timed pratfalls, and unexpected surprises that keep everyone on the edge of their seat.
Even if you’ve never been to a live theatre performance before, the humour is immediate and accessible, rooted in universal experiences like pressure, mishaps, and human error. As Ryan notes, “Everything that can go wrong, does. But you don’t have to be a theatre person to get it.” The combination of chaos and craftsmanship makes for an experience that’s both hilarious and impressive, leaving viewers laughing while amazed at just how skillfully the madness is executed.
BurlOak Theatre: Bringing Live Performance to the Community
For over 30 years, BurlOak Theatre Group has been a cornerstone of Oakville’s performing arts scene. They have produced professional-quality theatre while fostering local talent and bringing together community members with diverse areas of expertise.
With its mix of slapstick comedy, theatrical in-jokes, and sheer unpredictability, The Play That Goes Wrong promises a night of laughter for theatre lovers and newcomers alike. BurlOak Theatre Group’s production brings this international hit to Oakville with all the pratfalls, collapsing sets, and unexpected mishaps you could ask for, this time, entirely on purpose.
Get your tickets today!
