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A Shoddy Detective

A Shoddy Detective

Thursday 28 – Saturday 30 January 2027

Comedy

Shoddy Theatre and The Production Garden in association with Chelmsford Theatre presents... The Shoddy Detective.

A laugh-out-loud comedy whodunnit featuring four actors, a dozen characters and a whole load of chaos.

When a priceless painting vanishes at a manor auction, Detective Stuart Pidcock and his unlikely ally must interrogate eccentric suspects, outwit a cunning thief, and crack the century’s mystery.
The unlikely duo must question the colourful array of suspects living at the manor, all while trying to track down the cunning thief and solve the crime of the century.

After sell-out runs in the West End, at the Edinburgh Fringe, and across the UK, the Shoddy team return bigger, funnier, and even more ridiculous than before.

Catch the comedy that’s taking the country by storm — before it vanishes without a clue!

"A comedic gem. It’s a must-see for fans of farce and comedy. This may well become one of the most sought-after tickets of the season." - ★★★★★ North West End UK

"This is one detective mystery play I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend." - ★★★★ Theatre and Arts Review

Members get priority booking and save money on bookings.

Time & Tickets

Thu 28 Jan 19:30
Chelmsford Theatre
Tickets Available
Fri 29 Jan 19:30
Chelmsford Theatre
Tickets Available
Sat 30 Jan 14:30
Chelmsford Theatre
Captioned
Tickets Available
Sat 30 Jan 19:30
Chelmsford Theatre
Tickets Available

Photos & Video

Planning Your Visit

Getting Here

Located in the heart of Chelmsford's West End, we are only a 10-minute walk from Chelmsford train station and a short distance from many of the city's car parks.

By Train

Chelmsford Train Station is a short walk from the Theatre. You can look at Greater Anglia to check which trains stop at Chelmsford Station.

By Bus

Chelmsford Bus Station is just around the corner from the Theatre. You can look at First Essex to check which buses stop at the Chelmsford Bus Station.

By Car

The closest parking to the Theatre can be found at Townfield Street car park (open till 11pm Mon to Sat but closes at 6pm on Sun), Coval Lane car park (entrance via Rainsford Lane, open all hours) and Fairfield Road car park, (entrance via Coval Lane, open all hours but there are restrictions in place Mon to Fri before 5pm, Fairfield Road car park is also used extensively by people visiting the city in general and travelling to London on the train so can be very busy at all times).

Visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/car-parks for information on all carparks before your visit. Charges apply at all times.

All Chelmsford City Council car parks are now cashless. You can still pay by card, contactless payment or the MiPermit app.