The Real Inspector Hound

The Real Inspector Hound is a one-act play by Czech-born British playwright Tom Stoppard (born 1937). The plot follows two theatre critics named Moon and Birdboot who are watching a ludicrous setup of a country house murder mystery, in the style of a whodunit. By chance, they become involved in the action causing a series of events that parallel the play they are watching. The play was written between 1961 and 1962, drawing on Stoppard's experiences as Bristol theatre critic. Stoppard's play is an example of absurdism as well as farce, parody, and satire.

Published by Faber and Faber, 1968.

Performance history in South Africa
1971: Presented by CAPAB Drama in a double bill with Police (according to another source the second play was After Magritte but the theatre programme indicates otherwise) at the Hofmeyr Theatre in October 1971, directed by Mavis Taylor, costumes by Jennifer Craig and Mavis Taylor, lighting devised by Scott Robertson, music selected by Michael Tuffin. The cast: Arthur Hall (Moon), Johan Malherbe (Birdboot), Nerina Ferreira (Mrs Drudge), Paul Slabolepszy (Simon), Marion Achber (Felicity), Ziona Garfield (Cynthia), Pietro Nolte (Magnus), Ronald France (Inspector Hound).

1983: Presented by Rhodes University at the National Arts Festival Student Drama, 1983, directed by Andrew Martens. Set designed by Jane-Anne Hobbs, built by the cast and crew. Lighting by John Botha; costumes and make-up by Debbie March; Sound by Shelagh Smith. Company manager Fiona Knox; stage manager Julie Robertson. Cast: Simon Heginbotham, George Fatseas, Andrew Wilson, Mark Osborn, Guy de Lancey, Julie Coghlan, Carol Black, Barbara Lipowska.

2011: Presented by The Mechanicals at the Little Theatre, Cape Town, directed and designed by Christopher Weare, starring Tinarie van Wyk Loots, Scott Sparrow, Kate Liquorish, Langley Kirkwood, Nandi Horak, Mikkie-Dene le Roux, Adrian Collins and Wilhelm van der Walt.

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