Presented by: Preachrs Productions & The Lot Theatre
Mischief and intrigue awaits inside the old world charm of the radio play, if only there was a clearer setup to expand the concept
Reviewed by Justin Clarke
Ayers House State Dining Room
Thu 06 Mar – Fri 07 Mar: 7:30pm
Sat 08 Mar: 2:00pm, 7:30pm
Thu 13 Mar – Fri 14 Mar: 7:30pm
Sat 15 Mar: 2:00pm, 7:30pm
Tickets: https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/great-detectives-all-new-mysteries-af2025
Type: Mystery, Comedy, Staged Radio Play
If you liked: The Play That Goes Wrong
3 STARS
Old world radio plays meet a smattering of improv and extinct accents in this slapstick offering from Preachrs Productions & The Lot Theatre. Take a step back in time with the Great Detectives as they offer two thrilling new mysteries featuring 1950’s detectives Candy Matson & Johnny Dollar – *cue crowd cheers*.
The premise at first isn’t clear, unless of course you’re familiar with the Great Detectives’ schtick. It’s almost like jumping halfway into a book and playing catchup – is this a serious tale of intrigue and mystery? Was it slapstick? How involved are we as an audience meant to be? Without a clear piece of context amongst the madness of Adelaide Fringe, the audience had to work harder to find their place in the show.
Eventually, the charm shone through, and the outlines of Great Detectives became clear as our four actors manipulated voice, body and improvisation to stage a web of intrigue in ludicrous 1950’s mysteries. Whether it was Candy Matson’s naive, yet efficient young detective, or Johnny Dollar’s pig-headed, yet accurate nose for insurance fraud, the characters created throughout formed magnificently in our minds thanks to the voice work at play.
Mischief creeps around every corner in Great Detectives, and is one to kick your feet up to enjoy as a breather, and an enjoyable chuckle amidst the high-flying frivolities this Fringe season.
Want more from the Adelaide Fringe Festival? Explore all the shows on offer this year here.
