Was it Miss Scarlett, in the billiard room, with the lead piping? This year marks three quarters of a century since the ever-popular Hasbro board game Cluedo first arrived on the scene. It was devised by Anthony Pratt, who amalgamated his passion for parlour games with his deep love of Dame Agatha Christie’s murderous machinations and struck gold. I’m certain that every person reading this review will have encountered the game at some point in their lives. However, for the benefit of anybody who has been living on the moon, let me explain the concept: there has been a murder in a grand country house and the players must figure out which of the six colourfully named characters performed the dastardly deed, with which weapon and in which room. I should confess from the outset that I have adored the game my whole life. This is why I was thrilled when the first stage play visited Nottingham back in 2022. I really enjoyed that iteration and am pleased that this new instalment is in the hands of the same writers – Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran (of legendary Birds of a Feather fame amongst other TV comedy gems). Directed by Mark Bell, the genius behind the staging of The Play That Goes Wrong, this latest stage treatment follows the age-old format – there has been a murder in a grand country house, but can anybody work out whodunnit?
The first thing to note on arriving in the auditorium is the simplicity of the set. There is a proscenium frame which is delightfully colourful and there is, at the very back of the empty stage space, a version of the board game writ large which shows each of the rooms of the country house. These rooms light up to indicate where the action of each scene is taking place, and the real magic of stagecraft here occurs as the paraphernalia of each room is jauntily and hilariously wheeled on and off by the cast betwixt scenes. I really like the simplicity – the delicious set change pieces choreographed by Movement Director Anna Healey add to the uniqueness of the theatrical experience. It reminds us that we are not engaged in anything too grand or serious.
As you will know if you are a Cluedo aficionado, it is always Dr Black who is murdered. Rick Black (Liam Horrigan) on this occasion is a has-been 1960’s Country and Western star who has summoned his guests to Graveney Manor to hear his latest musical masterpiece. Horrigan invests Black with a superb high camp hauteur which is wonderful to behold. I do feel sad that he is bumped off so soon though – I’d like to have seen more of him! However, we do get the chance to see more of Horrigan as the evening proceeds as he appears again in a series of magnificent other roles which show off his sublime comedic versatility.
Ellie Leach embodies the most iconic role of Miss Scarlett, making her stage acting debut on this tour. She gives an assured performance and has a strong stage presence. There is a particularly wonderful scene in Act Two involving some slapstick which is delivered with a deadpan expression and oodles of camp.
Jason Durr is a joy to behold as Colonel Mustard, with an equally spectacular moustache to boot (surely it deserves its own page in the programme?). His deep south accent and drawling delivery are the butt of many a joke.
As you might imagine, this is a true ensemble piece, and this cast are all in their own way excellent. There are however two stand out performances for me this evening. Jack Bennett as Wadsworth the Butler is a wonderful farceur with excellent comedy timing who has a way of delivering his lines that has the audience in stitches. He steals every scene he is in. Dawn Buckland makes a real impression giving Mrs White the Cook a pantomime-esque quality that would give Jacques Tati a run for his money! It looks like she is having a whale of a time up there, bringing us all along for the ride with a knowing look, a nod and a wink.
Whilst it might be true to say that the first act feels laden with character and plot establishment, the second act is a total contrast. The pace is quickened, there are some excellent set pieces (which I adore!) and a beautiful twist that you will not see coming even if you have read every Agatha Christie in the cannon.
Is this a piece of theatre taking itself seriously and making demands on us as an audience? Certainly not. Is this a fun romp through the campy delights of the detective fiction genre? Most definitely. So, if you, like me, enjoy a good murder mystery and are a fan of old school farce and slapstick then you’re sure to leave with a big smile on your face.
Cluedo is at Nottingham Theatre Royal until 25th May 2024.
