The Comedy About Spies Characters Guide
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From the creators of [*The Play That Goes Wrong*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/the-play-that-goes-wrong-tickets) comes [*The Comedy About Spies*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/the-comedy-about-spies-tickets), a riotous West End comedy packed with mistaken identities, top-secret missions, and serious spycraft silliness. Set in a luxury London hotel, the story explodes into action when plans for a deadly weapon go missing—and everyone starts suspecting everyone else. But who are the characters driving this espionage escapade? Here’s your essential guide to the key roles in *The Comedy About Spies*, playing at the [Noël Coward Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/noel-coward-theatre-london) until Friday 5th September 2025.
### The Comedy About Spies Characters: Who’s Who in the West End’s Laugh-Out-Loud Espionage Farce?
**Bernard Wright - played by Henry Shields**
A mild-mannered baker who stumbles into a global spy war while trying to propose to his girlfriend. Sweet, nervous, and utterly out of his depth, Bernard becomes an accidental hero at the centre of the chaos.
**Rosemary Wilson – played by Adele James**
Bernard’s ambitious and polished girlfriend, Rosemary has checked into the hotel for a work conference—or so she says. Cool and composed, she seems distracted, distant, and maybe even involved with her tennis instructor, Marco. Is she planning to break up with Bernard?!
**Lance Buchanan – played by Dave Hearn**
A zealous CIA agent with a penchant for dramatic entrances, a track record of bungled missions and ill-advised plans. Lance is determined to uncover the truth—preferably while looking heroic—and often finds himself outwitted by just about everyone.
**Janet Buchanan – played by Nancy Zamit**
Lance’s formidable mother and a retired CIA agent, Janet isn’t about to let her son handle an international mission without her input—whether he wants it or not. Fiercely protective, sharp-tongued, and always a step ahead, she barrels into the operation with her own opinions, instincts, and a suitcase full of unsolicited advice. Wherever Lance goes, Janet’s not far behind… and usually causing chaos.
**Sergei Ivanov – played by Chris Leask**
A cheerful, overenthusiastic KGB agent posing as half of a British married couple. Sergei’s elaborate lies and relentless optimism drive his partner up the wall—and audiences into fits of laughter.
**Elena Popov – played by Charlie Russell**
Sergei’s far more serious KGB partner. Disguised as his “wife,” Elena grows increasingly frustrated with their spiralling cover story. Witty, sharp, and dry-humoured, she’s the grounded foil to Sergei’s madness.
**Douglas Woodbead – played by Henry Lewis**
A struggling actor convinced he’s landed a role in the next Bond movie. Douglas’s misplaced confidence and unintentional involvement in the mission make him one of the funniest figures on stage.
**Mr Tipton – played by Greg Tannahill**
The ever-dutiful manager of the Piccadilly Hotel, Mr Tipton is juggling demanding guests, mysterious goings-on, and the looming threat of a secret shopper visit that could make or break his career. Polite, professional, and increasingly frazzled, he’s desperate to keep everything running smoothly—even as chaos breaks out around him.
Read our [review of the show](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/news/why-you-need-to-see-the-comedy-about-spies) to find out more and be sure to book your [*The Comedy About Spies*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/the-comedy-about-spies-tickets) tickets now to meet the most hilariously incompetent team of international agents the West End has ever seen.