Cluedo 2
A game we all know and love to play with our families has just turned sinister. This crafty and creative “Who Dunnit” will turn you into a detective, solving the puzzle of who is responsible for the heinous crimes that unfold.
Rockstar Mr Black has been found dead in his own manor, just before releasing his (supposed) hit album that would make him millions! It’s your job to find out who did it, which is no easy feat as everyone seems to have a motive. Is it Colonel Mustard, who stands to profit from Mr Black’s album royalties? Or perhaps his wife Mrs Peacock, who only ever seems to care about inheriting his wealth? Or the mysterious Miss Scarlet, who seems to know more about the manor than she lets on? Everyone seems to be throwing accusations around, but it’s not long before a second murder takes place, and everything spirals out of control further. Mustard seems adamant about not calling the police and convinces the others to try to cover up the deaths of their peers. They team up in an attempt to save face, but it’s not long before they start to turn on each other, in extreme and irreversible ways.
Cluedo is, firstly, surprisingly funny. It has the golden balance of not being too serious to the point of dullness, whilst not forcing humour unnecessarily. There are silly wordplay puns at hilariously inappropriate moments; – “You only wanted me for my-” “MUFFINS?”. Dawn Buckland (Mrs White) has us in stitches with her perfect comedic timing and cheeky comments to the arguing couple. This pairs nicely with the visual comedy, such as the fight and chase scenes that give off a fun, cartoon look. The choreography overall gave the characters some extra pizzazz, such as Mrs Peacock strutting through the house with the new confidence that it’s hers, replicating an end-credit animation on a vintage crime-drama TV show. Hannah Boyce stuns with sharp and swift movements, embodying the very essence of Mrs Peacock’s uppity style. Equally creative moments were shown as the characters play billiards, incorporating the set into their game in a unique, visually pleasing way. Movement director Anna Healey delights with her incredible creativity and direction here.
As far as guessing games go, the plot certainly doesn’t flake on the solid backstory behind the character’s motivations. I constantly find myself changing my mind on who it could be, even when you think you have it pegged, a new piece of information comes to light and turns the tables. The writing is very well scripted by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran. They stay true to the original game, with references to the original characters and weapons, of course, but also with the layout of the house, thickening the plot as we question how anyone could have realistically committed the murders. It also, quite literally, opens the doors onto the innovative set design. They pay homage to the original rooms through resourceful props, able to transform the stage from a library to a murder-scene studio in seconds. The costumes are also reflective of the originals, with fun modern adaptations. The outfits look good with not much diversion from the character’s iconic one colour fits. Mrs Peacock is decked in a classy blue dress, the Colonel in a mustard suit that just- somehow- works, and Reverend Green in an army-esque uniform, reflective of his past.
This play is definitely an interesting watch, and has enough plot twists to give you whiplash. Yet, it doesn’t try too hard to be unpredictable that the plot loses all sense. It fleshes out the plot well without dragging on. A very fun show and it certainly has one of the best visuals of any play.
Photo credits Alastair Muir.
