A laugh-out-loud slapstick whodunnit featuring four actors, a dozen characters and a whole load of chaos.

When a priceless painting goes missing at Lord and Lady Raeburn’s manor home, Detective Stuart Pidcock is called upon to uncover the mystery. However, when he cannot solve it himself he is forced to enlist the help of an old nemesis. Together, the pair must interrogate the many characterful suspects that reside at the manor, in order to catch the conniving culprit and solve the crime of the century!

A Shoddy Detective has sold out at Edinburgh Fringe, The Camden Fringe, New Normal Festival and a 2023 & 2025 Spring Tour.

We are also proud to announce that A Shoddy Detective will be transferring to the West End on the 13th & 27th October 2025

Click the link below for West End Tickets

★★★★★
"A comedic gem." 
"It’s a must-see for fans of farce and comedy. This may well become one of the most sought-after tickets of the season."
North West End UK

★★★★★
‘The detective may seem shoddy, but the show itself is nothing short of a masterpiece!”
EdFringeReviews

★★★★★
“This is one detective mystery play I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.”
Theatre and Arts Review 

★★★★★
“A great, fun time and a wonderful treat”
One4Review

★★★★.5
Guaranteed to provide a night of entertainment that is anything but shoddy!
Beyond The Curtain

★★★★
A fast-paced slapstick whodunnit, that will keep you guessing and giggling until the very end” 
West End Best Friend

“Had the audience laughing throughout”
North East Theatre Guide

“Shoddy by name but not by nature”
London Pub Theatre Magazine

 “Witty, endearing and good clean fun” 
The Reviews Hub

 “I knew I was in fro a night of comedy and they certainly delivered”
A View From The Outside

Creative & Production Team

Producers - Mitch Donaldson on behalf of Shoddy Theatre, Joshua Beaumont & Matthew Emeny on behalf of The Production Garden

Written & Developed by - Mitch Donaldson & Becky Bartram

Cast - Shoddy Theatre

Director - Mitch Donaldson

Associate Director - Matthew Emeny

Set & Costume Designer - Louie Whitemore

Lighting Designer & Technical Manager - Adam Jeffreys

Composer & Sound Designer - Sam Baxter

Production Manager - Adam Jeffreys

Set Builders -

Technical Stage Manager - Adam Jeffreys

Costume Supervisor -

Marketing Manager - Holly Salewski

Filmmaker & Videographer -

Graphic Designer - Rebecca Pitt

Promo Photographer - The Other Richard

Production Photographer -

Based on The Art of Deception by - Mitch Donaldson, Josh Thompson, Zach Devereaux, Lucy Wordsworth, Megan Froud & Nick Mulvey

Audience Age
8 +
Contains mild sexual references and innuendos

Running Time
120 Minutes
(inc. 20 Minute Interval)