Broadstone Players 
War Memorial Hall, Broadstone 
Carole Gadsby 
18 February 2025
Theatregoers looking for a night out of comedy and endearing chaos will find plenty to enjoy in Inspector Bumble, the new farcical detective play to hit the stage in Broadstone written by local playwright and novelist Malcolm Miller. This light-hearted whodunit follows the bumbling efforts of Inspector Bumble, a detective so incompetent that his very presence at a crime scene is more likely to cause confusion than solve a murder.
From the moment Bumble, played by Jeremy Mills, stumbles onto the stage, it’s clear we are in for an evening of comedic mayhem. His job is to solve this high-profile murder, however he frequently misinterprets questions and evidence. His interactions with his long-suffering Detective Sergeant Fox, played by Helen Kuster, were exasperated but sharp-witted. They were a good team and her body language showed her frustration with his ineptness. We were even treated to a role-reversal halfway through which made for more laughter and entertainment.
Patrick Dardenne, who played Chief Supt Regan, came across as a strong character with his obvious experience and expertise of amateur dramatics, not always on stage, but the other end of the telephone, every word was crystal clear.
Lady Mason, the deceased wife, played by Denise King, again a seasoned actress, milked her lines and seemed to enjoy every minute of the performance. I particularly liked the strangling of the parrot!
Sir Henry Snape, played by Chris Kemp, a close friend and family solicitor to the Mason’s, came across as a conniving go-getting character.
WPC Creek, played by Verity Brayshaw, took notes religiously and came to the rescue on many occasions, always interacting to the dialogue onstage.
Tania the Maid (Kerri Widley) was believable, but I couldn’t always catch what she said, although she has some splendid lines. I did enjoy her interpretation of the role and felt her body language was good.
Julian Potter ( Andrew Morton), is a devious character, he’s the one to watch! Lastly but not least, sexy Christine Rice Davies, played by Lesley James. What a delicious role this was. I enjoyed her performance and timing. The parrot and the dog gave the finishing touches to this play and gave it a unique quality.
The set and props were ideal for the play, the backstage crew did a great job as I was unaware they were around except for removing the body.
The dialogue is snappy, full of witty misunderstandings and punctuated by well-timed comedy, reminiscent of the classic British detective spoof, The Pink Panther with Peter Sellers. While Inspector Bumble isn’t a deep or groundbreaking play, it doesn’t try to be. It embraces absurdity, delivering a joyfully silly theatrical experience which left the audience smiling and laughing as they left the Broadstone Memorial Hall.
The pacing leads to a climax where you will be surprised. Is Inspector Bumble as stupid and idiotic as he seems, all will be revealed??? The show plays nightly at the Braodstone Memorial Hall until Saturday 22nd February, with a matinee on Saturday at 2.15
