The Real Inspector Hound

One thing about reviewing a play about two reviewers reviewing a play is that it can be a mirror on oneself. In this case, Stoppard’s short play captures the farce of reviewing a play about a country house whodunit.

The action starts with two reviewers waffling on in play critic speak about a murder mystery play. The play itself is brilliantly performed, especially when it comes to the melodramatic direction. Complimenting this excellent production is the lighting from Amara Innes, which gives the play an aura of total believability when none should be present.

As theatre critics Neta Arad as Moon and Herman Smith as Birdboot capture the moment in splendid waffle-speak as they settle in for a night of reviewing what promises to be a mundane murder mystery.

Firstly, we are introduced to housekeeper Mrs Drudge, so well acted by Karen Wilson. Then, swanning onto the set is the dashing Simon Gascoyne, smoothly played by Steven Leib. Following a bouncing tennis ball we are introduced the vivacious Felicity Cunningham, splendidly performed by Scarlett Creek. After a dramatic fanfare, in sweeps the bedazzling Lady Cynthia Muldoon superbly acted by Rebecca Martin. Lady Cynthia is then followed by a clumsy wheelchair bound Major Magnus Muldoon, played so well by Chris Ghensi. Finally, the coatless and hatless Antony Roth arrives capturing the moment as the brilliant Inspector Hound.

The action on stage is deliberately over-the-top with the whole cast excelling at wonderfully skilled over-the-top acting. Things get more confusing after the interval when Birdboot joins the action on stage. Moon also gets drawn into the bizarre plot, which is totally ignored by the actors, who carry on as though nothing untoward has happened. To add to the mayhem there is a dead body onstage right from the start that nobody seems to notice. Totally crazy stuff!

The cast should all take a bow for a wonderful team effort that was made possible by director CJ Bowers understanding of this play within a play.

All in all, a rattling good evening to watch a thriller!

Ken Cotterill

Image of the entire cast by Barton Photography