Duration
2 hrs 15 mins with interval
Closing Date
Until September 26, 2026
Age limit
Suitable for 10+ yrs
Why Watch The Comedy About Spies?
- Winner of the WhatsOnStage Award for Best New Play, this laugh-out-loud comedy combines sharp writing, physical humour, and Mischief Theatre’s trademark mayhem for an unforgettable West End experience.
- Mischief’s The Comedy About Spies is a riotous 1960s spy spoof, packed with bungling agents, mistaken identities, and laugh-out-loud chaos in London.
- Fresh from a sold-out 2025 run, this WhatsOnStage Best New Play winner is written by Henry Lewis and Henry Shields, creators of The Play That Goes Wrong.
- Expect quick-fire gags, slapstick, and clever staging as CIA, KGB, and clueless Brits chase a top-secret file through a London hotel.
- The show’s limited 8-week run at the Adelphi Theatre is “breathlessly funny” (Time Out) and “brimming with energy” (Broadway Baby)—book now for a comedy gold rush.
The Comedy About Spies is a hit comedy play by Henry Lewis and Henry Shields. Following a sold-out season, the production returns to London's Adelphi Theatre with the original West End cast and Bryony Corrigan for a limited run, having scooped the WhatsOnStage Award for Best New Play. Expect fast-paced comedy, outrageous misunderstandings, and plenty of surprises. Set in the swinging 1960s, the show delivers a parade of double agents, clueless heroes, and comic mishaps, all staged with Mischief’s signature wit and physical comedy.
Storyline
When a rogue British agent steals plans for a top-secret weapon, CIA and KGB spies race to a London hotel to recover them. As double agents, a clueless couple, and an aspiring actor become tangled in the mission, the operation quickly spirals into complete chaos, with hilarious consequences at every turn.
Show timings
Show timings for The Comedy About Spies may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Cast & Crew
Authors - Henry Lewis and Henry Shields
Director - Matt DiCarlo
Set Design - David Farley
Costume Design - Deborah Andrews
Sound Design and Composer - Jon Fiber for JollyGoodTunes
Featuring the original West End cast alongside Bryony Corrigan in a limited 8-week summer season.
Age Suitability
Content Warning: This production contains mild strong language and occasional sexual innuendo. Haze, strobe lighting, loud gunshots, simulated explosions (with flashing lights and stage smoke), and prop weapons are used throughout. The show includes scenes of physical and verbal violence, people being shot on stage, comedic jump scares, and references to torture, overdose, alcohol use, war, and discrimination between characters portraying spies from the USA and USSR during the Cold War.
Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!
Security: To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.
Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.
Outside food: While outside food isn't usually allowed, many theaters have cafes or restaurants nearby for you to check out before or after the show
Noël Coward Theatre
The Noel Coward Theatre, originally known as the New Theatre, is located on St. Martin's Lane in London. Opened in 1903 the theatre has hosted acclaimed Shakespeare stagings and stars like Judi Dench and Jude Law. With 872 seats across four levels—Stalls, Royal Circle, Grand Circle, and Balcony—it offers an intimate, world-class West End setting. Originally designed by W. G. R. Sprague with an elegant Rococo interior, this iconic Grade II listed venue pairs rich heritage with exceptional sightlines, making every drama, revival, and blockbuster run truly unforgettable.
The Noel Coward Theatre seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theater.
Getting There
- Address: 85-88 St Martin's Ln, London WC2N 4AP, UK
- By metro:
The nearest tube stations is Leicester Square Circus (Northern and Piccadilly lines).
- By train:
Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines) and Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines) — approx. 2–3 mins walk
- By bus:
24, 29, and 176 (stopping nearby on Charing Cross Road and St Martin's Lane)
Facilities & Accessibility
Amenities: Toilets, Dining outlets, Cloak room, Souvenir shop
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, Service animals allowed, Elevator access
Additional Information
- Security: To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.
- Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.
- Outside food: While outside food isn't usually allowed, many theaters have cafes or restaurants nearby for you to check out before or after the show.
Tickets Redemption
You will receive an email with your The Comedy About Spies voucher. No need to print. Please carry a valid photo ID for identification.
Cancellation & Refunds
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Frequently asked questions
The cost of the tickets starts from £20 and will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
The show is suitable for ages 10 and above.
The show is playing at the Adelphi Theatre in London.
A madcap 1960s spy chase unfolds in a London hotel as rival agents, clueless couples, and double-crossers hunt for a stolen secret weapon file.
The running time is 2 hr 15 min with interval.
The play is written by Henry Lewis and Henry Shields, directed by Matt DiCarlo, and produced by Kenny Wax, Stage Presence, and Jo Danvers.
Yes, the play is suitable for all ages and is a great choice for families looking for a fun, comedy-filled outing.
It is a play—a fast-paced comedy with physical humor and witty dialogue, not a musical.
It is a limited 8-week run from August 1 to September 26, 2026.
Created by the Mischief team behind The Play That Goes Wrong, it’s an award-winning, critically acclaimed spoof with slapstick, mistaken identities, and 1960s spy flair.
