Shoddy Theatre and The Production Garden, in association with Chelmsford Theatre and Midnight Lotus Productions, have announced a major 2027 UK tour of their acclaimed comedy A Shoddy Detective and the Art of Deception.
The laugh-out-loud slapstick whodunnit returns after sell-out runs in the West End and at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, as well as a successful UK tour in 2025.
Featuring four actors playing a dozen characters, the production follows Detective Stuart Pidcock as he investigates the disappearance of a priceless painting from a private auction.
When he finds himself unable to crack the case alone, Pidcock is forced to enlist the help of an old nemesis as they interrogate a colourful cast of suspects in a bid to solve the crime of the century.
Shoddy Theatre founders Mitch Donaldson and Becky Bartram reprise their roles as Lord Raeburn and Lady Raeburn respectively.
They are joined by Ben Thornton as Detective Pidcock and Oliver Holland as Dusty Wills, with Georgia Ashford-Miller and Thomas Cove serving as understudies.
A Shoddy Detective and the Art of Deception is written by Mitch Donaldson and Becky Bartram and directed by Daniel Buckroyd.
The creative team includes Anna Kelsey as set and costume designer, Adam Foley as lighting designer, Sam Glossop as sound designer, Brian Watson as production manager, John Brooking as costume supervisor and Katie Balmforth as props supervisor.
The extensive 2027 tour opens at Chelmsford Theatre from 28 to 30 January before visiting venues across the UK including The Lowry, Hull Truck Theatre, Royal & Derngate, Darlington Hippodrome, Blackpool Grand, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre and Sheffield’s Montgomery Theatre.
Since its beginnings as a student-devised comedy project, Shoddy Theatre has gained a reputation for its combination of physical comedy, inventive storytelling and multi-rolling ensemble performances, with A Shoddy Detective becoming the company’s breakout success.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
