Runtime: 1hr
★★★★
Audience are welcomed by the titular Gumshoe upon entering the Soho Theatre as we are ushered into the world of 1940s New York, complete with a rolodex of unscrupulous characters voiced by Dart. Gumshoe is a one-man improvised detective story with plenty of laughs and fun to be had.
Dart is at home with audience interaction and well adept at directing an unsuspecting co-star, able to handle anything thrown at him with warmth and wit. Whilst on their toes; audience are in safe hands. Dart’s commitment is encapsulated by a number of gruelling (and damp) feats that delight the audience and punish the performer. Never too attached to his persona, Gumshoe is self-deprecating and heightened, poking fun at tropes in noir film and unafraid
of silliness. The show is propelled at full speed throughout by Dart’s monumental energy as a gunslinging detective hot on the case.
The structure and plot have charm and simplicity as we weavethrough various characters and flashbacks, serving opportunities for Dart to shine and audience to partake. A satisfying final gag utilises the audience suggestions and wraps up the plot nicely. Gumshoe is a ridiculous entry into the improvised interactive genre with plenty to enjoy and chew on…puns included!
