Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or was it Professor Plum in the library with the wrench? All is revealed in ‘Cluedo’, based on the 1985 film ‘Clue’ and inspired by the Hasbro board game.
‘Cluedo’ opens on a dark, stormy night, as a handful of guests arrive at the hallowed Boddy Manor for a night they won’t soon forget. Set design by James Browne is an immediate drawcard – the old manor is divine to take in, with dynamic moving set pieces that change up the scenery enough each time without being too complex.
Boddy Manor’s sheer size, taking up the entirety of the stage from top to bottom and left to right, instantly brings audiences into the action, aided by some effective lighting design from Jasmine Rizk.
Each member of this cast brings something unique to ‘Cluedo’ – and rightfully so, as they each represent a different colour and murder weapon in the game. Highlights include Rachael Beck, bringing a stiff upper lip with an edge of sass to Mrs. White. . . Lib Campbell as the erratic Yvette with her faux French accent. . . Olivia Deeble’s charming and charismatic Miss Scarlett. . . Laurence Boxhall and his Reverend Green riddled with anxiety and a violent dislike for dead bodies. . . And perhaps the highlight of the show, Grant Piro as Wadsworth.
Image © Jeff Busby
Grant’s performance is at the centre of ‘Cluedo’, and he manages to – without minimising the other characters – pull focus for each scene he’s in. It’s a delightful and hilarious watch, stacked with physical comedy and, at one point, a monologue so large and ridiculous that it warrants an extended round of applause from the audience.
Story and script are good, and the show overall is full of laughs and fast-paced staging, but there’s an extra layer of mystery and intrigue missing here. While it doesn’t ruin the experience of the production by any means, some more clever and unpredictable twists and turns could’ve elevated ‘Cluedo’ that little bit more.
That said, ‘Cluedo’ is a great reason to head out and experience some classic, actor-driven theatre – particularly if you’re partial to a camp murder mystery adventure. An all-round talented cast, stunning set design and hilarious staging make it enjoyable and engaging throughout, and if you can forgive a relatively straightforward script and storyline, you’ll find yourself giggling and smiling for a majority of the evening.
