Buy cheap tickets for The Play That Goes Wrong
Minor Delays

Those little things that hold you back, awkward pauses and abashed hesitations of everyday life: the focus of Minor Delays. Belly-laughing isn’t optional. Seeing this again, one year on, is like driving an F12 Berlinetta whose tapered parts, more aerodynamic than the last Ferrari, make for an even faster beast, and a mesmerisingly turbulent thrill ride.

New scenes – particularly ‘therapy llama’ – are worth the entry price alone.

Three characters take the rough roles, from left to right, of gentle (Harry Michell), firm (Abi Tedder) and insistent (Joe Barnes). 38 sketches – some continuations – are fired at us, mostly triggering instant elation, thanks to sharp punchlines, and others provoking a more uncertain rustling (the Rotherhithe, sex predator and parent puppet skits come to mind). Throughout, a playful approach to gender conjures up surprising revelations.

Tedder’s majestic ability to contort her face and to move between booming and childishly temperate, squeezing out every bit of delight from the audience, is exceptional. It’s a testament to these actors’ range that there are sudden modulations from sad solo birthday celebrations to a spoilt brat’s self-aware rendition of an “est in horto” aria (that seems to be influenced by – ah such fun – the Cambridge Latin Course).

The delivery is so convincing - often heated - that one wonders if this could turn to tragedy. Occasionally the noise from the trio is overwhelming. Michell, towards the end, couldn’t help but laugh (proof that this show never gets old?) and beamed a satisfying look of dissatisfaction when a spectator exited a notch early.

I loved the live string interludes of last year’s run, and it was a shame to hear this couldn’t be brought back for logistical reasons. But new scenes – particularly ‘therapy llama’ – are worth the entry price alone. In Minor Delays, the actors never look at each other; only at us. This is focused, finely-tuned comedy that isn’t afraid to be dark or unsettling (9/11, AIDS references), and feeds off regular anxieties as if they’re made of gold dust.

Broadway Baby Radio interview with Abi Tedder, Harry Michell and Joe Barnes of Minor Delays

Reviews by Jake A Ellamen

Greenside @ Royal Terrace

Perceptual Landscape

★★★★
Assembly George Square Studios

Jamie MacDonald: Oblivious

★★★★
Assembly George Square Theatre

Siro-A

★★★
Scottish National Portrait Gallery

Lee Miller and Picasso

★★★★
C venues - C

Pippin

★★
Pleasance Courtyard

The Falcon's Malteser by Anthony Horowitz

★★★★

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now

Performances

Location

The Blurb

One of last year's best-reviewed shows at the Fringe (Comedy.co.uk) returns with another hour of slick sketch comedy. Fresh from this year's London Sketchfest, book ahead to avoid disappointment. 'This show couldn't get much better' ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). 'Quite unlike any other sketch show you will see’ **** (Scotsman). 'Remarkable!' ***** (TheNewCurrent.co.uk). 'Hypersonic comedic perfection!' **** (Skinny). 'We want more!' ***** (EdfringeReview.com).
Buy cheap tickets for Back To The Future
Buy cheap tickets for The Play That Goes Wrong

Most Popular See More

Buy cheap tickets for Only Fools And Horses
Only Fools And Horses

From £33.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Guys and Dolls
Guys and Dolls

From £24.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Figaro: An Original Musical
Figaro: An Original Musical

From £31.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Mrs. Doubtfire
Mrs. Doubtfire

From £31.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for The Marriage of Figaro
The Marriage of Figaro

From £13.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Moulin Rouge! The Musical

From £31.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for The Duchess of Malfi
Buy cheap tickets for Lonely Londoners
Buy cheap tickets for Cyrano
Buy cheap tickets for The Pirates of Penzance
Buy cheap tickets for Marriage of Figaro
Buy cheap tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk Adult Panto
Buy cheap tickets for Oedipus starring Mark Strong and Lesley Manville
Buy cheap tickets for Oedipus starring Rami Malek and Indira Varma
Buy cheap tickets for The Elixir of Love
Buy cheap tickets for The Cabinet Minister