Mitch Donaldson is an actor and theatre all-rounder from Northumberland, who trained at East 15, where he founded Shoddy Theatre. As a performer his theatre credits include: A Shoddy Detective (Shoddy Theatre), Blyth Spirit (Live Theatre, Newcastle), Romeo & Juliet (Globe Theatre, Rome), A Night Before Christmas (Theatre N16) and Simon Boccanegra (Royal Opera House).
An Edinburgh Fringe hit, A Shoddy Detective is a laugh-out-loud slapstick whodunnit featuring four actors, a dozen characters and a whole load of chaos. Ahead of its latest UK tour, we sat down with Mitch Donaldson to ask him about returning to the hit show.
What initially drew you to create A Shoddy Detective?
We struggled initially to come up with a concept as we had mostly checked out at this point and wanted to go out with a bang. During lunch we began joking around, quoting some of the old comedy classics and had such a laugh that we were suddenly inspired to create a piece of comedy theatre featuring a similar comedic and slapstick style to the greats.
Thankfully, we had a great group of people who really brought everything to the table. I think because we had so much fun creating the show, the audience could see that and it led to us receiving the Essex University Graduate Award to develop the show further before eventually selling out at The Camden Fringe, New Normal Festival and The Edinburgh Fringe.
How did you go about creating the show?
It wasn’t easy at first, we had to create a plot and of course, make it interesting. For us there wasn’t much point just creating a show that is funny just for the sake of it as it would get boring after a while. In order to make it interesting you need to increase the stakes to drive up the tension which can also help the show flow better.
We came up with the plot which involved a priceless painting being stolen in a manor home, to which a bumbling detective is called upon to solve, otherwise his job is on the line. We then created characters/suspects and began writing scenes which we then workshopped to see what we could improve. Over time the show has slowly grown and with more creatives coming on board it has naturally developed.
What is it about slapstick comedy that is so enduring?
For me, slapstick comedy is generational and universal, it can be enjoyed by people of all ages. There’s an innocence about it which is why comedic performers such as Laurel and Hardy and Charlie Chaplin are still appreciated to this day around the world.
People enjoy it because it’s outlandish, over the top and often includes someone being the brunt of the joke, but there’s a degree of skill required to perform some of the stunts, jokes etc, and I think audiences appreciate the talent.
What are you most looking forward to about touring the show?
I can’t wait to see how the show back bigger and better, which is an incredible opportunity for Shoddy Theatre. I’m excited to visit new theatres and to see how the show is received in areas of the country it has never been too.
However, I think the one thing I am most looking forward to is performing the show in general and trying to give people the opportunity to escape from reality. That’s why we do it, that’s why comedy is so important and that’s why I am so excited to get the show on the road.
How did you get into theatre and acting?
I wish I could say that I began at an early age and was a promising up-starter but that’s not the case. All I had done was a school pantomime.
Whilst at college studying interior architecture I enrolled onto a performing arts course, and I’d go in on my days off or sneak off when I was meant to be studying on my other course. It was a little cheeky as I somehow convinced them both that I was eligible and shouldn’t have to pay, but eventually they cottoned on and I had to go back to my original course.
Studying there ignited a spark for me which led me to join the local am dram before eventually auditioning and being accepted at the National Youth Theatre and then the following summer at East 15 where I studied Acting and Stage Combat.
:: Tickets on sale now at https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/a-shoddy-detective/ or on 01202 280000.