Inspector Drake and the Perfekt Crime

This play is one from a series of four ‘Inspector Drake’ plays by David Tristram, if all are as funny and cleverly written as this one; they are certainly worth serious consideration for other dramatic societies to perform.

S.A.D.S appears to have a plethora of exhilarating directors following a run of excellent recent productions, this one happily following in their footsteps! Described predominately as a farce, the author cleverly incorporated other comedic genres of comedy such as alternative and physical into this extremely clever murder/comedy with a multitude of ‘brain scrambling’ twists and turns, all bracketed to create fast moving, funny dialogue!

The director’s decision to incorporate the auditorium with the stage worked beautifully, an excellent set, well dressed and designed with interesting shapes, showed a ‘perfekt’ perspective. Under an auditorium sited lamppost, a hapless P.C. Plod, played by Jake Burlow, narrated a “Dixon of Dock Green” style synopsis of the crime, during which a bolster of behind curtain verbal enactment primed the audience for the ensuing mayhem!

Inspector Drake (Paul Turner) was the backbone of the play, his physical comedy was outstanding, falling off the stage, (as directed, I hasten to add) when talking about being perceptive, was funny and  no doubt left him with a few bruises at the end of the run! Lines were delivered with lightning speed, being well planned and timed as he literally bounced around the stage, incredibly with only one or two slight incidences of inaudibility caused by an over exuberance of the moment.

Young P.C. Plod was the ideal side-kick to Drake. He constantly attempted to nullify Drakes wit, by sidestepping and standing alone, delivering his own particular brand of humour, which worked exceedingly well! Described in the script as “a clown,” his fine portrayal certainly qualified this!

Doctor Short played by John Nelson was the suspected perpetrator, as an actor he oozed confidence and was well able to demonstrate the appropriate amount of arrogance, which gave a grabbing character contrast to other varied cast characteristics.

Two Miss Shorts, (which one was the imposter I wonder?) kept the casting strong as supporting members of the cast.

The director is to be congratulated for his skilled interpretation of the play; being tight and speedy with an easily identifiable storyline. Lighting humour, particularly in the ‘eureka’ moments were well planned and timed along with meaningful cast movement which slotted beautifully into the action.

This was a slick, clever and extremely funny play, which was very obviously hugely enjoyed by the appreciable audience

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