I Created A West End Hit That Went Wrong Around The World | Mayhem, Mishaps, and Mischief Theatre - Jonathan Sayer
You're On TonightSummary
Jonathan Sayer, co-founder of Mischief Theatre and creator of popular shows like "The Play That Goes Wrong," shares insights into the world of theatre, particularly focusing on understudies and the challenges of handing over characters to others. Sayer reflects on his experiences transitioning from fringe theatre to international acclaim, emphasizing the importance of understudies in keeping productions alive. He expresses admiration for their ability to step into roles, often under pressure, and recounts memorable moments from various productions, including a chaotic experience during "Peter Pan Goes Wrong" where understudies had to fill in unexpectedly due to illness.
Sayer discusses the unique challenges of writing musicals, noting the balance between flexibility in comedic timing and the rigidity of musical orchestration. He shares anecdotes about the camaraderie among cast members and the emotional connections formed through their shared experiences. The conversation highlights the joy of seeing others take on characters he created, viewing it as a legacy that extends beyond the stage. Sayer concludes by acknowledging the vital role of understudies in theatre, expressing gratitude for their dedication and skill in maintaining the integrity of performances.
Show Notes
Jonathan Sayer knows better than most what happens when theatre goes wrong. As one third of the writing team behind Mischief Theatre, he helped create The Play That Goes Wrong, A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong and The Comedy About Spies - shows that have gone from humble beginnings to international success, playing everywhere from the West End and Broadway to stages in more than 50 countries.
But when it comes to things going wrong, Jonathan has stories of his own. From spectacular set malfunctions to improvised lines he wishes he could take back, Jonathan has an extraordinary catalogue of backstage chaos. And for the first time, he shares what he considers the worst moment of his career: a story involving a harness, a toilet, and a ticking time bomb of a disaster.
Alongside all this, we hear how understudies in his shows have saved the day time and again - including one of the most unbelievable understudy stories we've ever heard, complete with a transatlantic twist.
We also explore the journey of Mischief Theatre, from its very early days to becoming a global theatrical phenomenon, and what Jonathan has learned about navigating success, and why he’s learning to spend more time appreciating what’s already in front of him.
And despite having created a role played by hundreds of actors around the world, Jonathan is full of admiration for the understudies and swings who keep theatre running. He tells us why he finds what they do extraordinary, why he couldn't imagine doing it himself, and what makes their work so essential.
Jonathan Sayer - You’re On Tonight.
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Hosted by Kara Alberts-Turner & Liam Horrigan.
Produced by and recorded at The Sound Company, London.
For The Sound Company: Dom Boucher, Luke Nagy, Gareth Wood & Nick Thackeray-Cron alongside Freya Baldwin & Seb Stone.
Show image by Louisa Sexton. Produced by The Sound Company. www.sound.co.uk
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