The Comedy About Spies ★★★★★ Adelphi Theatre | Aug 1 - Sep 26, 2026


At the height of the Cold War, there was no business like the spy business, and now The Comedy About Spies has returned to the West End to deliver another brilliantly bonkers send-up of our enduring fascination with James Bond and his cinematic counterparts. The plot, such as it is, revolves around thwarting a double agent intent on delivering plans for a secret doomsday weapon to the Soviets. But there is little need to worry about the fate of the free world. This spoof about spooks is a gloriously wacky farce, with CIA, KGB and MI6 agents racing around a hotel where an earnest young baker is planning to propose to his girlfriend and a hapless actor is preparing to audition for the role that Sean Connery made his own. The silliness is relentless, with gags flying thick and fast. The puns are outrageously groan worthy, while the cast’s physical comedy is superb. Every performance hits the mark, but Chris Leask is a particular delight as the backstory obsessed Sergei Ivanov, while Henry Shields brings wonderfully awkward charm to timid suitor Bernard Wright, who finds himself hopelessly entangled in espionage. David Hearn, as CIA operative Lance Buchanan, delivers a tongue twisting soliloquy so spectacular that it earns a spontaneous burst of applause. Deborah Andrews’ costumes are hilariously spot on, while David Farley’s sets are inspired. The four hotel rooms provide the perfect playground for the escalating mayhem, while a brilliantly staged lift sequence is a comic triumph. Director Matt DiCarlo keeps the madness moving at breakneck speed, never allowing the chaos to lose momentum or giving the audience time to question the sheer absurdity unfolding before them. Just when it seemed the Mischief franchise might be running out of steam, The Comedy About Spies proves there are still plenty of laughs to be had.Kudos to writers Henry Lewis and Henry Shields. For a night of gloriously silly, expertly executed theatrical entertainment, this is one spy mission worth signing up for.

Rated: ★★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Photo Helen Maybanks

When, Where, Getting there:
Map & Location: 409-412 Strand, London WC2R 0NS, UK

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