The Shoddy Detective & The Art of Deception

Photo by: Rah Petherbridge Art & Photography

Review by Martine Silkstone

I have always thought that theatre is an essential part of our society because it gives us a way to express emotions, impart wisdom, connect with others and share life’s wonderful variety.

But now I realise it does even more than that - it also gives us just what we need, when we need it.

Case in point…

There is currently a renaissance of the good old fashioned British farce.

Just as the world feels a bit scary and we are all stressed with constant information overload, theatre has stepped up and gifted us a way to escape our worries, rediscover joy and laugh til our cheeks hurt.

Does that sound like something you need?

If so, the latest comedy production to hit the Suffolk stage is ‘A Shoddy Detective and The Art of Deception’, currently showing at the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich.

In this hilarious play, we follow the bumbling detective, Stuart Pidcock (a great comic turn by Neil Jennings) as he tries to solve the mystery of a missing painting. The masterpiece - The Art of Deception - was stolen during an auction at a country manor house and already on the scene, the inept Pidcock is called to investigate, reluctantly accepting help from the suave, reformed thief, Dusty Wills (the charming Wesley Griffith).

Naturally, there is a wealth of suspects who may have committed the crime.

Was it the (very) elderly gardeners, or the Russian seductress, or the homicidal cook, or the sweet maid? Could it have been the lady of the house with her saucy side hustle or perhaps the suspicious married couple (quite literally) joined at the hip?

So many fabulous characters and all with something to hide.

And all played by just two, very skilled actors - Mitch Donaldson (who is also the theatre company’s producer and writer), and Becky Bartrum (who takes being thrown out of a window to another level). These guys are simply marvellous in their multiple roles, switching between accents and costumes in the blink of an eye and sometimes without even leaving the stage. Such fun!

Photo by: Rah Petherbridge Art & Photography

Indeed, all four performers are clearly masters of the art and having a lovely time, which is contagious.

So far, so farce…

But actually there’s more. Importantly - and it is so important in a show like this - I was delighted to find there is actually a proper mystery going on too, with clues, red herrings and a cheeky twist during the denouement. I’m not suggesting it’s Agatha Christie or anything, but the play still has a narrative backbone and that is vital in supporting all the other antics so it doesn’t become ridiculous. As with so many things, it has to have balance, and here it does - bravo.

Put that together with all the requisite slapstick, winks to the audience, physical comedy and naughty innuendo, and you have a great night out. In fact, this show could be just what you need right now.

If your cup of joy is running low, never fear, theatre has your back.

A Shoddy Detective - The Art of Deception is at New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich until 28 June.

FOR SHOW DETAILS AND BOOKING LINK, CLICK HERE