Review: A Shoddy Detective & The Art of Deception
New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich – June 27–28, 2025
A Shoddy Detective & The Art of Deception is a fast-paced, delightfully absurd comedy farce that had the Ipswich audiences laughing from the opening moments to the final reveal when it took to the stage of the New Wolsey Theatre last week.
The production combines traditional farce with classic whodunnit to serve up a night of pure fun theatre performed by a really talented four-actor cast.
The setting is the elegant but slightly chaotic Brackenby Manor during a private auction of a famous (and soon missing) painting, the play centres around the inept but lovable Detective Stuart Pidcock and his reluctant pairing with the ever-confident Dusty Wills. As suspects increase and motives unravel, in true whodunnit style, the mystery grows increasingly ludicrous. The result is a lively, tightly choreographed comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still delivers a cleverly constructed plot.
Neil Jennings, in the lead role of Detective Pidcock, is a master of physical comedy and deadpan delivery. His bumbling presence grounds the chaos while never dulling the pace. Wesley Griffith brings charisma and flair to the role of Dusty Wills, providing a counterbalance to Pidcock’s incompetence. The pair create a chemistry that carries much of the show’s energy.
While the aforementioned are the lead characters we cannot ignore the versatility of Becky Bartrum and Mitch Donaldson, who bounce between characters with split-second costume changes, exaggerated accents, and endless enthusiasm. From an uptight aristocrat to a dangerous femme fatale, their quick transformations add layers of humour and unpredictability, keeping the audience guessing not just who the culprit is, but who might walk on stage next.
For me one of the brilliant things about this performance is that although a farce, which pokes fun at many detective stories, it still manages to be a genuine, albeit chaotic, whodunnit, so you are left until the very end for the answer.
This is the first time I’ve come across the Shoddy Theatre company, I do hope it is not the last. Hardwork, great writing and top rate performances resulted in a fun night for the appreciative audience. There’s still a couple more performances before the end of the tour – see https://www.shoddytheatre.co.uk/tour-dates
Review: Mark Keable, Ipswich24 Magazine