Following a sold-out run at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe and a smash-hit UK tour, A Shoddy Detective and The Art Of Deception is heading to London’s Arts Theatre this October.
Presented by Shoddy Theatre and The Production Garden, this fast-paced slapstick whodunnit has been described as “a comedic gem” and “a must-see for fans of farce and comedy.”
The story follows bumbling Detective Pidcock as he attempts to solve the mystery of a stolen painting. When the case proves too tricky, he’s forced to team up with an old nemesis to interrogate a colourful cast of suspects and crack the crime of the century.
Creative Producer Mitch Donaldson shared his excitement about the West End transfer:
“To say I’m excited to be taking A Shoddy Detective to the Arts Theatre in the West End would be an understatement. It feels a bit surreal to say that out loud, because this has always been the dream. From the very beginning, I felt the show had real potential but of course, having a dream and actually getting here are two very different things.
What’s made this possible isn’t just the idea, it’s the people. I’ve been so lucky to work with an amazing team of performers, creatives, producers who have brought their own talent and energy to make this show what it is. Without them, it simply wouldn’t be happening.
So while this is a huge milestone for Shoddy Theatre, it’s really a celebration of what we’ve all built together. I couldn’t be more proud, or more grateful. And I can’t wait to share it with West End audiences.”
The cast includes Neil Jennings as Detective Pidcock, Wesley Griffith as Dusty Wills, Mitch Donaldson as Lord Raeburn, Becky Bartram as Lady Raeburn, and Alexandra Ricou as Understudy and ASM.
The creative team features Mitch Donaldson and Becky Bartram as writers, Louie Whitemore on set and costume design, Adam Jefferys on lighting, and Sam Baxter on sound. The show is based on The Art of Deception by Donaldson, Josh Thompson, Lucy Wordsworth, Zach Devereaux, Nick Mulvey, and Meg Froud.
Critics have praised the production with five-star reviews from North West End UK, Theatre and Arts Review, and One 4 Review. Beyond The Curtain called it “a night of entertainment that is anything but shoddy,” while West End Best Friend said it “will keep you guessing and giggling until the very end.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
