The Real Inspector Hound

This classic, clever, relentless Tom Stoppard with all of his verbal brilliance and room for physical contrivances is satisfactorily delivered at a whirlwind pace. Attempting to present a classic which has been thoroughly explored is always a challenge.

Artefact Theatre Company has drawn together an experienced group of actors who are easily able to deliver the verbal duets between the critics, Moon and Birdboot and the well-worn emotional highs and lows and incessant threats of murder with competent ease and aplomb.

Matthew Cox’s direction is accomplished, managing to stay just on the right side of chaos, and adding polish to the physical action. The Drudge, (Birdie Pamment) is particularly adept at delivering her actions to provoke audience laughter.

The entering of the critics into the action of the play was seamlessly achieved. The critics’ and other character’s interactions with the audience were very well managed. The two children sitting next to the critics stole the show, with their responses leading to delighted audience laughter on several occasions.

The lighting (Hugh Stephens), sound (Ben Andrews), music (Alec Steedman) and costumes (Shonaid Uccellini) and the upper class English accents of the actors (coached by Cazz Bainbridge) supported the creation of the world of Muldoon Manor and the characters of the play within the play. The stage management (John Lally) was impeccable.

At the end of the show, with bodies piling up, the denouement is satisfactory and in the words of Birdboot, “One of the summits of contemporary theatre, a smashing night out”.

Ruth Richter

Photographer: Jackson Loria