Meet the West End Cast of The Comedy About Spies

Published on 8 May 2025

Last updated on 3 June 2026

Summary

  • Meet the star-studded Mischief Theatre cast behind the West End return of The Comedy About Spies.
  • Discover the 1960s spy spoof packed with mistaken identities, secret missions and comic chaos.
  • Find out where and when to see the hit comedy during its limited run at the Adelphi Theatre in 2026.

The Comedy About Spies is retuning to the West End—and the mission is chaos! Brought to you by the masterminds at Mischief Theatre, the team behind The Play That Goes Wrong, Christmas Carol Goes Wrong  and The Comedy About a Bank Robbery, this brand-new comedy explodes onto the stage at the Adelphi Theatre, following last year's huge success at the Noël Coward Theatre. Here’s everything you need to know about the brilliant cast bringing this side-splitting spy spoof to life.

A man in a trench coat holds a hat and embraces a woman in a floral dress, both looking thoughtfully ahead.

The Comedy About Spies Cast

Dave Hearn is back in action as part of the Mischief original lineup. Known for his impeccable comic timing in The Play That Goes Wrong and Magic Goes Wrong, Hearn’s back with another mission of mayhem. He plays the role of Lance Buchanan.

Chris Leask brings his physical comedy skills to the espionage table. A Mischief regular, you’ll recognise him from Peter Pan Goes Wrong and Groan Ups. He plays Sergei Ivanov.

Henry Lewis, one of Mischief’s founding members, also stars as Douglas Woodbead. As both co-writer and performer, he’s been behind some of the funniest moments in the company’s history, from The Play That Goes Wrong to Bank Robbery.

Bryony Corrigan takes to the stage this time around, following in the footsteps of Charlie Russell who played the role last summer. Expect witty one-liners and perfectly executed disasters in her role as Elena Popov.

Henry Shields returns, reuniting with his fellow Mischief founders. As co-writer and performer, his flair for calamity has made him a West End favourite. He plays Bernard Wright.

Greg Tannahill, another Mischief Theatre original, is part of the core cast, known for his brilliant performances in The Comedy About a Bank Robbery and The Play That Goes Wrong. He plays Albert Tipton.

Nancy Zamit, who’s appeared in nearly every Mischief show, brings her signature energy to this spy farce. From pirates to princes, she’s done it all—with perfect comic precision. This time she plays Janet Buchanan.

Adele James joins the team in her Mischief debut. Known for her screen work, this marks her first foray into the world of theatrical mishaps—and we can’t wait to see what she brings to the table. She plays Rosemary Wilson.

What is The Comedy About Spies about?

Set in the swinging sixties, The Comedy About Spies follows a rogue British agent who’s made off with top-secret weapon plans. As spies from the CIA and KGB descend on London’s Piccadilly Hotel, chaos breaks out. Mistaken identities, secret dossiers, and absurd disguises abound in a mission where absolutely nothing goes to plan.

Who created The Comedy About Spies?

The show is written by Henry Lewis and Henry Shields, directed by Matt DiCarlo, with scenic design by David Farley, costumes by Deborah Andrews, and sound design and music by Jon Fiber of JollyGoodTunes. It’s classic Mischief: a new plot, the same delicious disaster.

Where can I see The Comedy About Spies?

Performances will take place for an 8-week limited run at the Adelphi Theatre from 1 August to 26 September 2026, so grab your trench coat (and maybe your fake moustache) and book your official tickets before this mission disappears in a puff of smoke.

More about Mischief Theatre

Mischief Theatre has become a comedy institution, with smash-hit shows including The Play That Goes Wrong, Peter Pan Goes Wrong, The Comedy About a Bank Robbery, and Magic Goes Wrong. The company has earned international acclaim, picking up a Tony Award, Olivier Award, WhatsOnStage Award, and a Drama Desk Award along the way.

Book tickets to The Comedy About Spies today

Join the chaos—get your official tickets to The Comedy About Spies before the mission ends!

Hay Brunsdon

By Hay Brunsdon

I've over 15 years of writing and editorial experience, and starting working in the West End theatre industry in 2012. When not watching or writing about theatre I'm usually swimming, hiking, running, or training for triathlons in the Stroud valleys.