Inspector Drake and the Perfekt Crime

Thank you for inviting me along to review your show. This was a new and somewhat unnerving process 
for me

This play is not your average “murder mystery” it was described to me as Agatha Christie meets “Naked 
Gun” and it certainly lived up to expectations. It is one of four Inspector Drake plays written by David 
Tristam. It is written in style of the classic British farce The show carried a PG-13 warning which I felt was 
appropriate due to some of the comedy and its adult nature.

On entering the theatre, we were greeted by an open set depicting a 1970’s Living room complete with 
garish orange and brown circular patterned wall paper and furniture that matched the period well. On 
the extreme stage right there was an area that had a background of bricks and a street light above it, 
that served as the exterior. The show was appropriately lit and good use was made of spotlights to 
emphasise comedy moments and significant plot developments. All sound effects were used well and at 
the correct level. All of the players projected well and where able to be heard from where I was in the 
theatre. The costumes looked right for the period, with flared trousers, large collars and a large amount 
of beige suede being on display.

The show begins with us apparently witnessing a murder, and subsequently we are introduced to the 
story and our main protagonists by Sergeant Plod. The plot then takes off at speed with innumerable 
twists and turns. It moves along with puns, double entendre and bags of physical humour. Some of the 
highlights intentional or unintentional, were Inspector Blake appearing out of a chair (where I believe he 
had to have been hidden from the top of the show). Sergeant Plod’s moustache falling off. Business with 
the telephone cable and the vase. The most intriguing of these was the apparent false start to act two 
along with all of the arguing between the stage and the box.  It is absolutely necessary to ensure that 
you pay attention as the number of changes direction in the plot (some very bizarre) would soon 
become baffling.

The tales is concluded with the classic denouement where the murderer is unmasked and we are finally 
given the information that ensure that it all makes sense (sort of).

The part of Sergeant Plod requires a multi-talented actor who delivers a great deal of the physical 
comedy in the play, and this was done very successfully by your actor. Your actor was comfortable in the 
role and their interaction with the other characters was humorous and intelligent.

Next is Inspector Drake himself, whose intellect is only surpassed by his confidence and self-belief. He 
strutted around the stage in a supremely assured manner. He also used any device available to try to 
attract and seduce any young female that came within reach. A confident and believable portrayal, well 
done.

The next character we must consider is that of Dr Short, who believes that he has committed the “Perfekt” 
crime. This was another able performance. Of course, we find out that Dr Short is in fact not Dr Short but 
his evil identical twin brother (another plot twist). 

We also during the story get meet two Miss Shorts (one of whom is of course an imposter) Sabrina Short 
who we meet first. Played in a flirtatious manner by your actor. It subsequently becomes apparent that 
this coquettish behaviour is due to the fact that she is an imposter.

The other Miss Short is fact the real Miss Short and was portrayed well, and tried to resist the charms of 
the amorous Inspector Blake, and not completely succeeding.

The final actor that needs to be mentioned is Mrs Short who appears for a short time at the beginning of 
the show and helps to set the scene, if not the mood of the show.

Thank you for a fun evening’s entertainment, it is a shame that this type of show is not as well supported 
by the general public. The dedication and professionalism of you whole team is apparent from the work 
you produce, and I for one enjoyed a great evening entertainment.

Disclaimer 

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in 
question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance and it is 
inevitable that his assessment will be affected by that knowledge.  

The NODA Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in 
particular, the performance.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be 
objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed 
may not have been valid at other performances and are only made to encourage higher standards in 
Amateur Theatre.

It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and 
encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer 
will prove helpful in improving future productions.

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