The Play That Goes Wrong - Interview With Bobby Hirston

The Play That Goes Wrong is a comedy at the Bradford Alhambra from Monday 18 June 2018.

The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society are putting on a 1920's Murder Mystery but everything that goes wrong does! The actors make it to the end with hilarious consequences in this comedy that will appeal to anyone aged 8 to 80 years old.

The Yorkshire Times was fortunate to have an interview with Bobby Hirston who is from Yorkshire and plays Max.

What is the show about?

The shows sees an amateur dramatic group (the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society) performing the opening night of their whodunnit “The Murder at Haversham Manor”.

The play is supposed to be a serious drama but quickly transcends (for a number of reasons) into complete comedy chaos!

What drew you to this show?

The opportunity to go around the country and to make people laugh (hopefully) and the style of the piece were the main things that drew me to the play. Of course the fact that the director and the writers wanted me to be in it played a pretty big part as well.

Why do you think the show is so successful?

A few reasons but I think the main one is people generally enjoy laughing at people’s misfortune. Who doesn’t enjoy watching people mess up and fall over (as long as they don’t actually hurt themselves). I also think the humour of the show translates pretty well wherever you are in the world which is why the show has been so successful globally.

Have you encountered any unreceptive audiences on the tour so far?

Of course some audiences are better then others (we’ve done over 150 shows now) but so far, touch wood, we’ve never been met with total silence.

Do you think audiences in the north are more welcoming?

In a word, yes. But then I’m biased. I think northern people are just more welcoming in all walks of life.

What do you miss about Yorkshire when you are away from the county?

Rugby league and football. I’m a massive Castleford Tigers fan so try and get darnt’ lane whenever I’m back. I’m also a Leeds United fan so enjoy going to Elland Road when I can, although I’ll admit last season I didn’t really miss much!

My family and friends also come a close second to Cas and Leeds.

Do you have any favourite theatres that you like to visit?

A few, anywhere in Yorkshire is always special. I remember going to see stuff at the Bradford Alhambra when I was a kid so that will be nice performing there. Also Newcastle Theatre Royal as I studied in the town and went to see a lot at the Theatre Royal, so to get on that stage will be a massive moment for me personally. My favourite venue to watch things is the Royal Albert Hall, beautiful building and it always feels special when you see something there. I recently saw the Arctic Monkeys there and it was amazing.

Bradford Alhambra Monday 18 June - Saturday 24 June.
Box Ofice 01274 432000

Manchester Opera House Monday 25 June - Saturday 30 June.
Box Office 0844 8713018

www.theplaythatgoeswrong.com