Episode Summary: MISCHIEF are doing a Musical! | What we know about Thespians, from The Play that Goes Wrong creators

MickeyJoTheatre | October 28, 2025

Main Theme

This episode centers around the breaking theatre news that Mischief Theatre—the acclaimed comedy troupe known for “The Play That Goes Wrong”—are launching their very first musical, titled Thespians. Host Mickey Jo provides an in-depth overview, speculates about the direction of the show, details the upcoming tour, and discusses Mischief’s previous work, creative process, and why this new venture is so highly anticipated among UK theatre fans.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mischief Theatre’s Big Announcement (02:00–04:30)

• Mischief Theatre is developing its first-ever musical, Thespians.
• The show will have a regional premiere and UK tour, not opening in London first.
  • “It is going to be called Thespians. It is starting in May 2026. I'm going to tell you all the details. We are going to speculate a little bit about what this show is going to be like.” — Mickey Jo [02:30]
• This marks a significant shift from Mischief's established style of non-musical farces.

2. Tour Details & Venues (04:35–06:20)

• World Premiere: Mercury Theatre, Colchester — May 9th–23rd, 2026.
• Other Venues:
  • Theatre Royal Bath (May 26–30)
  • Wyvern Theatre, Swindon (June 2–6)
  • Yvonne Arnaud, Guildford (June 9–13)
  • Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham (June 16–20)
  • New Theatre, Cardiff (June 23–27)
  • HOME, Manchester (July 7–18)
• “There are a couple of gaps in there between late June and early July...you never know [if more dates will be added].” — [06:20]

3. What Is Thespians About? (07:00–10:45)

• Premise:
  • Set in 534 BC, on Greece’s smallest island, amid a deadly nationwide prayer competition.
  • Thespis accidentally invents acting, leading to the world’s first play and the origin of theatre.
  • Described as “very silly, very funny, and entirely wacky”, with mythological and historical parody.
  • “If you thought something funny happened on the way to the Forum... wait until you hear what happened en route to the amphitheatre.” — Press Release, read by Mickey Jo [07:30]
• Parallels drawn to “Something Rotten” and Monty Python, emphasizing the show’s zany and irreverent tone.

4. Writing Team & Creative Force (12:30–14:00)

• Writers:
  • Jonathan Sayer—founding Mischief member, previously co-wrote "The Play That Goes Wrong".
  • Ed Zanders—musical director for “Mischief Movie Night,” brings improvisational musical expertise.
  • “Anyone who can create music for those improv shows, I am in awe of the talent that you need to be able to pull something like that together.” — Mickey Jo [13:50]
• Show promises mayhem, comedy, choreography, and classic musical theatre elements with Mischief’s signature chaos.

5. What to Expect: Themes, Style, and Mischief’s Legacy (14:15–19:00)

• Emphasis on empathy and connection, beyond just slapstick.
• Comparison to Mischief’s previous successes and their ability to mix heart with hilarity, referencing “Operation Mincemeat” and the importance of sincerity in comedy.
  • “There’s nothing I love more really, than a show that is full of heart and joy and comedy, like an Operation Mincemeat. I think that can be a really winning formula for success.” — [16:20]
• Sayer’s statement: “I think the show is full of heart, great songs, plus the laughter and mayhem that you'd expect in a Mischief show. We can't wait to share it with audiences next year.” [16:50]

6. Mischief Theatre Background (17:30–19:00)

• Founded in 2008 by LAMDA acting graduates, originally focused on improvisation.
• Have developed multiple internationally known comedy shows, TV projects, and have a strong creative collective (Lewis, Sayer, Shields).
• “A true mark of success... there are now non-replica productions of their work happening globally” — [18:45]

7. Reflections & Personal Speculation (19:05–21:45)

• Mickey Jo openly discusses:

  • The wisdom of not simply rehashing their “Goes Wrong” formula in musical form.
  • Interest in how the show will be cast (original Mischief members? Musical theatre newcomers?).
  • The importance of taking the show to regional venues, supporting theatre outside of London.
  • Anticipation for further news about casting and creative team.

  “Perhaps it’s going to be ultimately a better idea to step slightly further away from that and not try and steer too close to something they’ve already done for fear of seeming repetitious... If even reading the premise has me giggling as much as I am, I think this is a great idea.” — [20:40]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “This is already entirely wacky. Very silly and also very funny. I could immediately see the Mischief root into this. I’m sort of thinking, once you start talking about that setting, I’m thinking about, like, some of the Monty Python stuff... I love it. I absolutely love it.” — Mickey Jo [09:10]
• “I’ve always loved musicals and it’s been a total joy to co-write one, especially with such a skilled composer as Ed.” — Jonathan Sayer via press release [16:40]
• “It is still such a winning formula [the Play That Goes Wrong]... If you want to laugh, I am telling you to go to The Play That Goes Wrong.” — Mickey Jo [18:00]
• (Comic interlude): “I need you to know I had a hair on my tongue the entire time I was saying all of that and now I can’t find it.” — Mickey Jo [10:50]
• “Not that I don’t think that [The Musical That Goes Wrong] would be very funny, but it’s probably going to be ultimately more successful to do something more original.” — Mickey Jo [20:50]

Important Timestamps

• [02:00] – Breaking news: Mischief’s first musical announced
• [04:35] – Tour dates and venues revealed
• [07:00] – Show premise and official blurb discussed
• [12:30] – Creative team and writing process
• [14:15] – Reflections on empathy, parody, and musical theatre style
• [16:40] – Jonathan Sayer’s direct quote from the press release
• [17:30] – Mischief Theatre background and international significance
• [19:05] – Mickey Jo’s speculation on casting, potential format, and regional tour choices

Conclusion

Mischief’s debut musical “Thespians” promises to combine their trademark anarchic humor with heartfelt musical storytelling, set in the ancient origins of theatre itself. Mickey Jo’s enthusiasm is infectious as he unpacks what’s known so far and invites listeners to share in the anticipation for this fresh chapter in Mischief’s ongoing story. Fans are encouraged to check for ticketing information, look forward to casting news, and celebrate the rare treat of a new British musical comedy from some of the UK’s funniest theatre creators.

Stay tuned via thespiansmusical.com and MickeyJoTheatre’s platforms for more updates.