Groan Ups
Groan Ups
The first show in the Mischief Theatre’s year-long residency at the Vaudeville Theatre, Groan Ups is a brand-new play which looks at how people grow up. Are we the same at 30 as we were at 13? Seeing if schools determine our future, join the cast of Groan Ups as they go through the painstaking troubles of adolescence into adulthood.
Groan Ups is the first of three productions to play in the Vaudeville Theatre as part of their residency. The other two productions in the season will be the new show Magic Goes Wrong, developed with world-renowned magicians Penn and Teller, and another yet to be announced production.
It will also be the first time the original Mischief Theatre company of Henry Shields, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Lewis will perform in the West End since 2016, when their play The Comedy About A Bank Robbery opened at the Criterion Theatre.
- Duration
2 hours 40 minutes including a 20 minute interval
Additional Details & FAQ
- Access Information
For Accessibility information please contact 0330 333 4815
- Cancellation Policy
No refunds or exchanges after booking.
- Suitable For Children
Ages 13+
All patrons under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
- Where Do I Go
Vaudeville Theatre, 404 Strand, London WC2R 0NH
Public Transportation
Charing Cross (Northern, Bakerloo lines) Embankment (District, Circle lines)
Bus Routes
1, 4 , 6, 9, 11, 13 , 15, 68, 76, 171, 176, 188
Reviews
Steve
Nov 25, 2019
Groan Ups is a fine offering from the Mischief Theatre Company. Not as laugh-a-minute as some of the group's other work, the play tracks the growth of a group of friends from their early school years through to a reunion in adult life. Excellent stagecraft and some brilliant visual gags complement stories of (partly) unfulfilled lives and opportunities missed. A mix of pathos and painful teenage angst set alongside some well-observed 'rom-com' farcical humour. A wonderful pick-me-up experience.
CP
Nov 23, 2019
Excellent production, humorous but with serious undertone but very entertaining
CW22
Nov 21, 2019
What a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. The music is from my era so from the minute I walked in I knew it was going to be good, and it didn’t disappoint. Easy watching with talented performers playing the same character across 3 age groups. Face paced and poignant in moments. Would recommend it for an easy entertains watch.
Stacey
Nov 16, 2019
Fantastic, started off really funny with adults as babies then got even funnier, love these comedies, cant wait for next one, ty
Jars
Nov 11, 2019
The show was excellent! The actors were superb, delivering the usual humour from Mischief Theatre. The plot had been well researched and was very true to real life growing up. Amazing!
Bec
Nov 11, 2019
Me and my partner absolutely loved it. There were funny parts and some serious parts . Would definitely recommend it if you enjoyed the other productions from this company .
Sue H
Nov 11, 2019
This is our 3rd show with this company & Cast and it didnt disappoint. loved & laughed every minute and even though the Theatre was reduced in size, i think for the better, it was still brilliant.Now going to book Magic Goes Wrong show i am a reall follower of these shows But well done to the cast again for putting on a great show !
Emma
Nov 4, 2019
Having seen The play that Goes Wrong and Comedy of a Bank a Robbery, I had to come and see Groan Ups. I was not disappointed. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. The scenes and music were very well done too. So looking forward to Magic goes Wrong :-)
Lewis Osbourne
Nov 4, 2019
Another very funny show - a laugh a minute. An very worthwhile afternoon if you want to laugh until you cry. Not for the miserable!
P Price
Nov 3, 2019
Totally awesome
Caz
Oct 31, 2019
Excellent production, really funny and entertaining.
Jo H
Oct 31, 2019
Fantastic show, with some real laugh out loud moments. I would say, however that some of the content is really not suitable for children and I saw a lot of uncomfortable parents in the audience!
Carrie Foster
Oct 30, 2019
Totally love Mischief Theatre and they served up the goods once again. The only thing I would say is, if your kids are fans of "...goes wrong" this is probably not suitable. Lots of jokes are adult and since comedy requires an ability to appreciate the situation it really bypasses anyone who has yet to leave school. That said - still lots of hilarious (and clever) slapstick. Some serious moments, touching on important issues which are very sensitively handled. But I do wonder if there needs to be a Trigger warning for people who have been through some of the more serious experiences that lie at the heart of the play.
Helen
Oct 27, 2019
The story is cleverly written. The actors comedy timing was superb. I was crying with laughter.
Adam Hockney
Oct 27, 2019
I went to see Groan UPS with my Dad to finish of my Half term before I return to Uni, I had high expectations for this play and it did not disappoint at all. I was laughing more in those 2 hours then I probably have done in October itself. I recommend seeing this and any other production from Mischief. I’m sure they could rival Monty Python.
Shaun
Oct 20, 2019
Brilliant, a real must watch comedy. Watched with my wife and teenage daughter and all of us laughed all the way through.
Georgia
Oct 14, 2019
Too sexual. But very funny original jokes.
Paula
Oct 6, 2019
Thank you for a funny and enjoyable show. It was a family trip out to the theatre ages 50 plus , 21 and 24 We all enjoyed it and found the characters well played and kept our attention and smiles. Not something we’d rave about but would recommend
Mary
Oct 6, 2019
Haven’t laughed so much in ages. Another masterpiece from The Mischief Theatre
Simone
Oct 5, 2019
This production was funny and entertaining , from beginning to end. Highly recommend and great value for money
Michael
Oct 3, 2019
I would have liked to rave about Groan Ups but I was disappointed. I think the actors were brilliant as they usually are. We have seen Play that goes wrong and Peter Pan goes wrong. The beginning was very promising. The cast were young children acting as children do..watching them was very funny...The scene then changes with the cast as teenagers. This is where I feel the whole play changes direction and becomes more of a story and trying to get laughs exploring adolescent behaviour and attitude..sexual talk, exploration of teenage feelings, sexual orientation become a focal point which leaves you feeling uncomfortable for family viewing..The comedy becomes a side line to the story as opposed to being its sole purpose. Moving onto adulthood the characters all meet up again at a school reunion. Everything comes to a head as past issues are brought back to be dealt with...The play shows how things in the past can affect your life and shapes the person you become..this is all well and good but not expected from the Mishief company..If you want a play with out and out laughs that are constant with silly humour as previous plays you won't find it here...
Avi
Oct 2, 2019
One of the best plays I have ever seen. Absolutely have to check it out.
Oliver Halford
Sep 26, 2019
Having seen ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’, ‘The Comedy about a Bank Robbery’ and ‘Mischief Movie Night’ , as well as watching ‘Peter Pan Goes Wrong’ and ‘A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong’ on TV, I was very excited when I heard Mischief Theatre were making another play. I was partly curious and nervous as I was unsure how something could match my enjoyment of their previous works however this uncertainty was definitely misplaced! ‘Groan Ups’ certainly delivers on both hilarious comedy and a heartfelt story of growing up. I found myself both laughing hysterically and feeling great sympathy for the characters. As always the intricate set adds to the performance like it does in all Mischief productions. It offers a familiar location for the action if the play and adds to the comedy in a wonderful way. The performances all round were incredible and the writer/actors Lewis, Sayer and Shields have outdone themselves. All round a very enjoyable experience and I look forward to their next production!!!
Louise masters
Sep 23, 2019
Myself and my son love every show this The Mischief Theatre Company have produced and this one is no exception. It was extra special as it was my sons 17th birthday and he didn't stop laughing all night. He especially loved the character 'Paul!' Thanks again for another wonderful show!
Darren T
Sep 23, 2019
A really brilliant night, serious belly laughs throughout. I will definitely recommend this
Joanne B
Sep 22, 2019
As a big fan of the Mischief Theatre I was really looking forward to this production and it didn’t disappoint. After a slow start to the first half the second part showed the company at its hysterical best once again, more of a story to this one and thoroughly enjoyable. Stick with it!
Dave
Sep 22, 2019
Absolutely brilliant. I love the mischief group and have seen all their plays. Difficult to decide which one was best as all are brilliant. Thoroughly enjoyed this play lived up to expectation. Brilliant cannot wait for next play,(magic). Terrific
Jo
Sep 22, 2019
Very funny and clever play, you can relate to the characters and it takes you back to your youth. I cried with laughter and compassion.
Prigers
Sep 22, 2019
Never been disappointed by the plays this group do, another classic for the future .