The British have long mined the macabre for laughs, and Grave Mistake at The Hope Theatre continues this proud (and peculiar) tradition. Set in a struggling family-run funeral parlour, the play is a classic example of farcical comedy, filled with misunderstandings, misplaced bodies, gin-fuelled dreams, and plenty of over-the-top antics.
The plot is delightfully preposterous, centring on the Burke sisters, Regina (Gabrielle Nellis-Pain) and Harriet (Laurel Marks), who are doing their best (or worst) to run their family funeral parlour into the ground. Regina, a flamboyant spendthrift with big ideas and no financial sense, dreams up a wildly inappropriate plan to open a “jolly gin and spa bar” above the business. Meanwhile, the long-suffering, practical Harriet, makes increasingly desperate attempts to keep the dying enterprise afloat.
The ludicrous idea is played to maximum comic effect, with scenes that border on absurdism. Regina’s grand vision (imagine neon signage, Jacuzzis and adult frolics) sits hilariously at odds with the grim nature of the business below.
Enter Malcolm (Gabriel, Fogarty Graveson), the ever-upbeat, new young assistant, whose innocent blunders and social faux pas provide some of the biggest laughs. His character is a highlight, with great comedic timing and a wonderfully clueless charm.
Meanwhile, Molly-Rose Treves dazzles as she effortlessly transforms into multiple characters, each distinguished by impeccable accents and mannerisms. Her versatility brings vibrancy and humour to the stage, captivating the audience with each switch. The delightfully absurd story unfolds with visits from the grief-stricken Mrs. Clarke (who is smitten with Malcolm), the grandiose Lady Farrington, and the delightfully bumbling Reverend Plumpkin. Each arrival adds another layer of comic intrigue and charm, weaving together an entertaining narrative that keeps the audience laughing.
The characters are nicely rounded, and all the actors deliver strong, funny performances. The ensemble works well together, bringing out the best in the script.
Stylistically, the play feels like a love letter to the traditional British farce, complete with slamming doors, mistaken identities, and exaggerated characters. This is both a strength and a limitation. While fans of the genre will appreciate its nod to the likes of Are You Being Served? or Fawlty Towers, younger or more progressive audiences might find the humour a touch outdated. The script leans heavily on class stereotypes that feel rooted in the 1970s sitcom.
That said, there’s an undeniable charm to the production. The direction is tight, making excellent use of the intimate Hope Theatre space. The set design is suitably flimsy, where one feels it may collapse at any moment, particularly the upright coffin.
In summary, Grave Mistake doesn’t set out to be edgy or modern, it’s a romp, a throwback, and a celebration of farce. While it may not appeal to all tastes, for those in the mood for laughter laced with death (and a splash of gin), it’s a grave decision you won’t regret.
A spirited and silly night out, full of classic British humour, if you don’t mind a touch of the dated.
Review by Bernadette Lintunen
“Rule Number One: Funerals are spiritual, we are not.”
Burke & Sons Family Funerals are in crisis!
This funeral directorship has been safely handed down through the generations – Right up to the point Regina got hold of it and put it on the brink of bankruptcy!
Regina, her sister and business partner, Harriet, together with hapless new intern, Malcolm, plan to run two funerals at once to save their skins!
Chaos descends as they wade their way through sandwich mix ups, mistaken identities, quite a lot of gin and… wait… was it Vivaldi or Frankie Valli?!
Can they pull off the impossible or have they made a…*clears throat… Grave Mistake?!
CAST
Regina: Gabrielle Nellis-Pain
Harriet: Laurel Marks
Malcolm: Gabriel Fogarty-Graveson
Mrs Clarke/Mrs Farrington/Rev Plumpkin: Molly-Rose Treves
CREATIVE TEAM
Writers: Matthew Ballantyne & Toby Hampton
Director Toby Hampton
Associate Producer: Ru Lawrence
Assistant Director: Joshua Maughan
GRAVE MISTAKE
The Hope Theatre, 207 Upper Street, London N1 1RL
27 May to 7 June 2025
