Prepare for a whirlwind of amnesia, eccentric British aristocrats, and a menagerie of mayhem. This July 2026, the Lionel Wendt Theatre will once again echo with laughter as CentreStage Productions presents the 22nd Anniversary Production of Jehan Aloysius’s smash-hit comedy, Bengal Bungalow.

​Since the original performance premiered in 2004, this fast-paced farce has become a staple of Sri Lankan English theatre. Known for its "wild and wacky" energy, the play has evolved over two decades into a polished masterclass in situational comedy, drawing inspiration from British masters like Ray Cooney and the irreverent, cartoonish humour of The Simpsons.
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The Plot: A Crash Course in Chaos

​Set in Bengal during the late 1930s, the story revolves around a British family whose peaceful residence—the titular Bengal Bungalow—is turned upside down when a British pilot accidentally crashes his aircraft through their newly refurbished guestroom.

​The pilot emerges from the wreckage with a severe case of amnesia, triggering a domino effect of misunderstandings. When the lady of the house, Lillian, impulsively "claims" the pilot as her husband and marries him on the spot, she leaves her actual suitor, Charles Worthing, in a state of bewildered distress.

​As the play skyrockets toward its climax, the stage becomes a "bizarre circus" featuring notorious robber on the prowl; a hapless priest caught in the crossfire; the pilot’s actual wife; an enraged mahout and a menagerie of wild animals.

The stellar cast includes Dion Nanayakkara (A Christmas Carol, Rag - The Musical), Roshni De Bond (La Bamba), Harshith Karunaratna (Rag - The Musical), Marissa Jansz, Aadil Osman, Radhika Ranaweera, Movin Perera and talented newcomers. For the first time in the history of the show, the writer/director, Jehan Aloysius, will be onstage in the role of  'Papa', after his recent performance as Scrooge in 'A Christmas Carol'.
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A Legacy of Original Theatre

​Since its inception in 2001, Jehan Aloysius’s CentreStage Productions has been a bastion for original Sri Lankan playwriting. Bengal Bungalow remains one of its most beloved works, having played to sold-out houses in 2004, 2010, 2016, and 2018.

​Beyond the laughter, the production often carries a deeper purpose. True to the troupe’s history, proceeds from this 22nd-anniversary run are expected to support the StageHands Project, Aloysius’s humanitarian initiative that uses theatre for social change, working with children in need and performers with physical and mental challenges.
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Production Details

• ​Playwright & Director: Jehan Aloysius
• ​Venue: Lionel Wendt Theatre, Colombo
• ​Dates: July 4th & 5th 2026, 7.30 p.m.
• ​Style: British Farce / Slapstick Comedy
• Ticket Prices LKR 6,500, 5,500, 4,000 & 2,500 (Balcony - free seating).

"It’s a wild romp that pushes the boundaries of comedic drama. We want the audience to leave the theatre breathless from laughing. This 22nd Anniversary Production is exciting since it is newly reimagined for the new cast, and not a replica of the previously staged versions of the show!" — Jehan Aloysius

Whether you are a long-time fan of the "Bengal Fever" or a newcomer looking for a night of pure escapism, this anniversary production promises to be the theatrical highlight of the season. If history is any indication, tickets for this madcap comedy will disappear faster than a pilot with amnesia! The show would be best enjoyed by audiences over 15 years of age due to mature humour.

This special 22nd Anniversary production is sponsored by Imorich (Official Indulgence Partner), Anim8 (Official Printing Partner) and Media Partners Wijaya Newspapers, Hi TV and Hi Magazine. The Box Office is NOW OPEN at the Lionel Wendt Theatre. You may also purchase online at MyTickets.lk for convenience. Call 0112695794 (Lionel Wendt Theatre) for ticket details.