Inspector Norse @ Assembly

Since Stieg Larsson’s Millenium series became an international phenomenon, Nordic Noir as a genre has exploded in the UK with shows like The Killing, The Bridge and Wallander helping to cement its popularity. But with every success comes an opportunity for parody and that’s exactly what LipService Theatre have done with their whimsical Inspector Norse. When the frozen corpse of a man is discovered, it's up to Inspector Sandra Larsson (Sue Ryding) and her assistant (Maggie Fox) to unpick the mystery of his death.

The gags come thick and fast in this unashamedly silly and self-aware romp. While there is a loose narrative, this is not a play where the plot is integral to the enjoyment of the production. Including pop culture references to Abba and Ikea, groan inducing puns and more knitwear than a Welsh faction of the W.I., like a schoolboy teasing the girl he fancies, this is a piece of mockery that feels more like a homage to a beloved. The oversized wooden novel acting as a multipurpose set allows the duo to comically integrate the medium of puppetry and assists in their frequent costume changes. Well thought out and hilariously executed, LipService have created a show that both conjures up the mysterious intensity of a Swedish crime thriller and shatters it with smart and endearing ridicule.