The Real Inspector Hound

Senior Drama students reinvented the Tom Stoppard classic The Real Inspector Hound in a production that pushed the envelope of casting, space and artistic direction.

The absurdist drama followed theatre critics Moon and Birdboot as they become unwittingly involved in the whodunit mystery they’ve come to the theatre to review.

Stoppard’s satirical style was brought to life by the formidable collaboration of Directors Natalie Parsons-Clair and Debbie Curtis, and Artistic Directors Linda Tebbs and Connie Russo.

Under their direction the unconventional idea of seating the audience on stage was born. This innovative approach, inspired by Stoppard’s vision to depict a ‘play within a play’, saw audiences perched high on stage so that they could examine what happens in the space they would usually be seated.

Reversing the traditional dynamic between the spectators and actors also limited audience numbers to only 100 people per show, creating a unique, intimate and engaging experience for those lucky enough to get a ticket.

In another first, and as a result of the growing talent in senior Drama, two entirely different casts were chosen with the groups performing one show each evening.

Performing in the space where audiences are traditionally seated challenged the cast to be creative in their use of space and props. Students willingly embraced this new approach, delivering convincing and dynamic performances to delighted audiences. 

The production also brought a fresh take on traditional humour, intellectually extending the casts’ perceptions and insights of satire and wit, as well as the role of theatre as a voice of social commentary.