Review: Inspector Spectre at the Alma Tavern Theatre

Inspector Spectre by Naked Heart Theatre, is an absolutely ridiculous romp through the detective genre. It’s a lot of fun and will have you laughing and groaning in equal measure.

With a pun-filled script chokka with double entendre, its humour is very much along the lines of Airplane with a bit of Carry On thrown in. The jokes come so thick and fast that you can almost hear the audience’s brains whirring to catch up.

There’s also nods to other iconic TV and movie scenes throughout, including Platoon, ‘Allo ‘Allo! and The Great British Bake Off.

It wasn’t entirely clear if some on-stage mishaps and ill-timed sound cues were done in the style of The Play That Goes Wrong. Or indeed, the play was going wrong. Either way it added to the raucous fun of the piece.

A mysterious woman arrives at the office of Inspector Spectre and his sidekick Blank. The meeting sets them off in search of clues to find a missing heirloom.

This at times involved audience interaction to solve cryptic riddles.

The first half of the show runs at speed. The three actors – Rob Marais, Johnny T. Ashman and Abbi Davey – deliver some fine comic performances.

The second half of the show starts to lose its pace towards the end and could benefit from from some sharper editing.

Nevertheless, it was an entertaining piece of fringe comedy that goes well with around two pints of lager.

Inspector Spectre is running at the Alma Tavern Theatre until Saturday 20 July 2024

For more information or to book, visit: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/almatheatrecompany/1199501

Cast and Creatives
Inspector Spectre – Rob Marais
Sergeant Blank – Johnny T. Ashman
Miss Smith / Mary Berry / French Agent – Abbi Davey 

Writer / Director – Johnny T. Ashman
Technical Director – Simon Burke
Stage Manager – Ginnie Mallinson

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