Paddy Cunneen’s probing black comedy Watching the Detective invites the audience, at one point quite literally, on to the stage and into a murder scene.

The audience instantly becomes part of the play, as the Detective, played by Stuart Bowman, weaves his way across the stage and through the audience with a quantity of crime scene barrier tape. The audience inclusion remains constant; this is highlighted through frequent interactions with the Detective that encourage individuals to discuss what they believe is happening in the scene. Clearly this is a play designed to challenge the audience, make them think and force them to actively participate in the experience.

A parody of the many detective dramas on television today, Watching the Detective is a cleverly written, multi-layered script in which, as the Detective repeats throughout the play, "it isn’t what is true that is important, but what people believe to be true". The plot dances through every detective cliché there is, peppered with comic observations and a delicious final plot twist that will leave you questioning your own judgment and psychology.

Bowman’s quiet, intense, yet steely detective is well done, though at times a slightly broader range of emotions would have provided the character with more depth. The decision to use a microphone in such a small space is interesting and works well. It allows a more naturalistic, almost film like, quality to the acting, which compliments the television genre that the play parodies.

The tech and set were minimal; subtly aiding the narrative and allowing the script and acting to take centre stage. The stark, red light hovering over the body throughout the play adds an element of the macabre and builds the atmosphere of mystery so key to this production. There was one brief blip with the microphone that caused a few lines to be lost, but this was quickly rectified and everything else ran smoothly.

A cleverly written script combined with a strong performance from Bowman makes Watching the Detective an enjoyable, thought provoking piece of new theatre and a marvellous way to spend a lunch break.