In A Shoddy Detective and the Art of Deception, Mitch Donaldson and Becky Bartram masterfully weave a tangled web of intrigue, deception, and physical comedy, creating a farcical play that will leave audiences guffawing long after they leave the theatre. A testament to its impact was the audience members recounting their favourite lines and gags on the way out.
This riotous romp follows the misadventures of the hapless Detective Pidcock, a man so inept he is more likely to solve a puzzle by accident than by design—or so the writers would like you to believe.
For fans of The Play That Goes Wrong and Noises Off, this play will feel instantly familiar, yet A Shoddy Detective brings its own unique style and charm. From the moment you enter the theatre space, you’re transported back to a different era with period music playing, and Detective Pidcock (Neil Jennings) personally welcoming you to the “show” before stepping into the opening scene at his Lordship’s manor.
A priceless painting vanishes during a private auction, and Detective Pidcock has been dispatched to solve the crime. From the very start, it’s clear Pidcock is on a hiding to nothing. He enlists help from his old adversary Dusty Wills (Wesley Griffith), and as the “mystery” unfolds, the duo encounters a parade of delightfully strange characters—each more outrageous than the last—who they must question to find the culprit.
The lord and lady, the cook, the gardeners, the housekeeper, wealthy friends, and a seductress are all under suspicion. Remarkably, all these roles are played by Mitch Donaldson and Becky Bartram, who deftly morph from one character to another with seamless precision and impeccable comic timing.
The plot revolves around the missing treasure and a series of increasingly absurd clues, all propelled by the cast’s boundless energy. Pidcock’s so-called deductive powers are put to the test as he bounces from one ludicrous conclusion to the next. Meanwhile, Wills serves as a perfect foil, eager to prove his own detective credentials amidst the chaos.
The pacing is lightning-fast, with hardly a moment to catch your breath between laughs. The play is a finely tuned blend of chaos and hilarity. Donaldson and Bartram must be applauded for their versatility in multi-character roles, showcasing remarkable skill in physical comedy and transformation.
Of course, the on-stage brilliance is matched by the efforts behind the scenes. From costume and set design to lighting and sound, the entire production oozes professionalism. One standout element was the set’s dodgy door—clearly feeling the strain of a fringe run—which became an unexpected source of comedy gold, embraced joyfully by the cast.
A Shoddy Detective and the Art of Deception is a side-splitting farce guaranteed to leave you grinning. With its sharp writing, absurd characters, relentless pacing, and outstanding physical comedy, it’s a comedic gem. Despite being a shortened version with just a one-hour run time, nothing feels lost. You’d be hard-pressed to spot the cuts from the full-length version.
It’s a must-see for fans of farce and comedy. Donaldson set out to make people laugh—and he succeeds with flying colours. With a transfer to the West End later this year, this may well become one of the most sought-after tickets of the season.
Reviewer: Ross Mackie
Reviewed: 22nd August 2025
North West End UK Rating: