Inspector Drake and the Black Widow
by David Tristram
June 2009

The Show

Inspector Drake and Sergeant Plod return to the Conquest stage for the ultimate challenge … can Drake solve the perfect crime? Who is the mysterious Dr Short and why did he marry a warthog? Has he murdered his fourth wife – or did she murder him first? Has he really got two daughters called Sabrina, or is one of them telling porkies? Where is Frank the taxi driver? What was the Pope doing in the woods? Will Plod manage to completely unhinge Drake before he can get to grips with several suspects (well, at least two). And why is there a lamp post in the living room? A ludicrously twisted plot with, well.. lots of twists in it is exactly what you should expect and exactly what you'll get. Be prepared for hilarity, extreme silliness and moments when sanity may seem a long long way off.

The Cast

Inspector Drake was played by Mark Cox
Seargeant Plod was played by Hugh Farey
Sabrina was played by Gina Hastings
Dr Rupert Short was played by Richard Gooch
Miss Short was played by Ann Smith
Victoria was played by Sally Handley

Directed by Barbara Hockley
with enormous help & support from Sally Handley

The Crew & Credits

Lighting: Greg Swinford and Boz Farey
Sound: Greg Swinford
Stage Crew: Sally Handley & Barbara Hockley
Set Design: Barbara Hockley
Set Construction: Trevor Smith & David Hugman
Set Painting/Dressing: Barbara, The Cast & the fairies
Props: Sally & Barbara
Costumes: Alison Stobart, Jenny Shortland, Barbara & The Cast
Photos by Jim Rolt

The Reviews

OTR June 2010
Just reading the programme was a delight. I suspect that Barbara ‘yes I do live here’ Hockley is responsible – as it appears that the production was directed and designed by her – and she has credits for ‘stage managed and generally sorted out by’ and also ‘set painted and dressed by’ and her name also appears in ‘costumes by’. WHAT A WOMAN!
The set was brilliant. I noticed the bookcase first. Constructed by Richard Orgee and painted by Christine Hall. Then I noticed the three ducks – not realising how they would feature so dramatically later! The lighting was exceptionally good (Greg Swinford and Lawrence Hall) particularly the dramatic spotlight moments.
Hang on a minute – I haven’t got to the actual play (farce) yet………….
I had been told to expect a ridiculous plot and was not surprised or disappointed. In fact I wouldn’t mind half a pint of whatever David Tristram was on when he penned it. The cast of six were terrific - (Hugh Farey, Mark Cox, Gina Hastings, Richard Gooch, Ann Smith and Sally Handley).
I am worried about my next comment as I don’t want The Conquest to put their prices up – BUT – my goodness you would have thought you were watching a professional company putting on a brilliant show – and would have been happy to have paid a lot more for your evening of entertainment. It was fast moving, slick and tight. Farce relies on these qualities……….
I don’t want to start World War Four here, but highlights for me seemed (with three exceptions) to involve Hugh ‘Boz’ Farey (Sergeant Plod)…….trying to mend the phone line – getting hand stuck in flower pot - the banana – the lamp shade – moving about to ensure being ‘in shot’……
According to a member of the audience, I was heard loudly enjoying these Boz highlights and also the over-the-top mascara moment – the line “does the Pope **** in the woods?” – and, of course, the demise of the previously mentioned three ducks at the end!! But I am not ashamed. Referring again to the programme, may I quote “and don’t hold back, we’re fine with shrieking, guffawing, giggling and any other mirthful expression you feel inclined to share”.

Thank you cast, crew, front of house, bar and box office staff for a GREAT night.
N.J.

NODA Review June 2010
This was the second play in the Insp Drake series performed by a strong cast of five following last year’s success. It certainly lived up to the audience’s expectation and proved to be just as complicated and funny as the previous one. It was in the genre of Agatha Christie meets Faulty Towers with many similarities to both. It’s so good to see ‘farce’ acted well. Sally, Richard, Hugh, Mark, Gina and Ann were well cast and with Barbara’s quirky direction, the show was so intricate that you could barely laugh for fear of losing the plot. Well done Conquest.

Pictures of inspector Drake and the Perfekt Crime in rehearsal

Click any thumbnail to see a larger version