‘The Real Inspector Hound’ ended its highly successful run in the Black Box last night with barnstorming performances from all concerned. The atrociously melodramatic performances of absurd stock characters were taken to new heights while simultaneously plumbing new depths. The cunning plot hatched by the crazed author of this tragicomic, parodic satire broke brave new ground whilst burying itself in cliche. Acting against type, actors created new stereotypes for themselves. Stars were born, exploded in supernovae, and collapsed in the space of an evening. I will say this for it – the wallpapering held up nobly throughout.
The cast will now move out on tour, and the Black Box will return to its usual empty self. But something tells me that the Accidental Theatre Company will return. Perhaps when the cuckoo-beard is next in blossom…
by Puckeridge, newly installed as chief critic at First Rate Entertainment Weekly (and wheelchair reviewer for Saga magazine), now available for consultation for aspiring young thespians.
PS ‘I laughed so hard my tooth fell out!’ Eva Clarke