Bill Posley has led an interesting life, to say the least. He had a colorful upbringing (that didn’t not include bows and arrows), he graduated basic training on Sept. 11, 2001 (“Surprise! You’re going to war!”), he was on the show “Survivor,” he’s an executive producer and writer on Apple’s hit comedy “Shrinking” (do you have any idea how hard it is to make it as a TV writer these days? Do you?!), and now, he’s taking his hilarious solo show to New York City and London.
“The Day I Accidentally Went to War,” produced by Kristen Boulé and directed by four-time Emmy winner Bente Engelstoft, follows his first solo show, “The Day I Became Black,” which won the 2020 Off Broadway Alliance Award for Best Solo Performance.
And while I didn’t see that one, I did get to catch a preview of “The Day I Accidentally Went to War” and it was effing funny. Posley cleverly packs in the jokes while sharing jaw-dropping anecdotes about his life growing up, about military shenanigans, and about his struggles after service. Many veterans will see their own journey mirrored in Posley’s—and maybe for some, he can help make sense of the experience of combat, violence, and loss.
“Coming back to do this show in New York means everything to me,” Posley says in a statement. “NYC is the Mount Rushmore of theatre, there is so much talent in that city that even subway performers are so good that they make you feel like you’re not worthy of being there. When I first started writing this show, I wasn’t sure if it would resonate with audiences or find its place in the world. I’m so thankful it has, and I’m eternally grateful to the Soho Playhouse for bringing it back to NYC.”
Here’s the official synopsis:
“No one wins and breaks hearts like writer/comedian Bill Posley. Some people accidentally miss their bus, some accidentally misplace their keys, but Bill? In The Day I Accidentally Went to War, Bill will take you on a journey through childhood traumas to basic training and deployment to coming home. Packed with laughs, gasps and all the feels, this show bares brutal truths, honors the Veteran experience, and celebrates the human spirit.”
After New York, it’s off to London as part of the 2025 International Fringe Encore lineup from Soho Playhouse, a true honor in the world of theater.
“Bill Posley’s life experience is told with true-life images, movement, and his beautiful, affable presence that will leave you feeling remarkable in many ways. This is a hell yes, must-see, for all! It is an inspiring performance of the resilience of us,” wrote Front Row Center in a glowing review.
You can (and should) get tickets for “The Day I Accidentally Went to War” in New York from Aug. 6-30, 2025, and in London from Sep. 2-13, 2025.
