Henry Lewis is the co-creator of global smash hit The Play that Goes Wrong and the BBC’s The Goes Wrong Show. He now stars onstage alongside Jonathan Sayer in Mischief’s brand new comedy Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle in London's West End. Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle will play at the Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue from Thursday 14 March to Sunday 28 April 2024, with a Gala Performance on Sunday 24 March 2024 at 3pm. Tickets are on sale here with a top preview ticket price of £35.
Written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, Mind Mangler is based on a character originally created in Magic Goes Wrong by Penn Jillette, Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, Henry Shields & Teller.
Join ‘The Mind Mangler’ as he attempts a spectacular return to his West End debut two man solo show. Witness hilarious feats of mentalism spiral into chaos as he attempts to read your mind, mind mind….
Mind Mangler began at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2022 and after a sold-out season was later developed into a two-act show that toured the UK and ran in New York in 2023.
Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle is produced by Kenny Wax, Stage Presence and Kevin McCollum.
MIND MANGLER: MEMBER OF THE TRAGIC CIRCLE
Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London.
From Thursday 14 March to Sunday 28 April 2024, with a Gala Performance on Sunday 24 March 2024 at 3pm.
Buy tickets here.
What is the last thing you do before you go onstage (apart from check your flies and/or check your knickers aren't sticking out of your skirt and check for spinach between your teeth)
In Mind Mangler (which I’m very excited about bringing to the West End soon!) I usually do a little dance behind the curtain with the Stage Managers. Before Peter Pan Goes Wrong there was always lots of backstage improv in character and everyone wishing each other a good show.
What irritates you?
The HSBC Customer Service Phone Line
What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?
When we filmed the first series of The Goes Wrong Show we did an episode called The Lodge in which I had to fall off of a 14ft high platform onto what’s called a ‘box-rig’ (a box-rig is basically a big pile of cardboard boxes that break your fall). It wasn’t that dangerous as we had an excellent stunt co-ordinator and safety team, but it was quite unpleasant to do! I’d blame the writer, except it was me.
What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?
When I was 15 I got locked out of my house and tried to get in through the dog flap. I got stuck for 4 hours and had to be cut out with a power saw by my mum’s boyfriend at the time. We wrote a sequence in Peter Pan Goes Wrong inspired by the experience.
What has surprised you the most during your career?
Not really a surprise, but I’m always moved by how utterly incredible, supportive and kind Mischief audiences are. In the theatre they’re a joy to perform for and whenever I meet people at stage door or on the street they’re always lovely.
Interview continues here.
