The ensemble cast of CLUEDO UK Tour 2022. Photo Credit: Craig Sugden
Despite some uneven pacing, CLUEDO makes for a fun and nostalgic evening of entertainment.
Everyone’s favourite murder mystery board game takes to the stage this Summer, with a new UK tour of CLUEDO.
Based on the hit 1985 film CLUE and inspired by the classic board game, CLUEDO follows six distinguished guests who are invited to dinner one dark and stormy night by the mysterious Mr Boddy.
As the night progresses, it soon becomes clear that all the guests have something to hide, as the inhabitants of Boddy Manor are killed off one by one, with a variety of familiar weapons.
Fans of the original film will find much to love about this stage production of CLUEDO. Mark Bell’s carefully choreographed production sticks tightly to its source material, capturing the witty and frantic energy of the classic film.
The ensemble cast of CLUEDO UK Tour 2022. Photo Credit: Craig Sugden
David Farley’s set design is a delight to watch, as panels swing open to reveal the various rooms of the iconic Cluedo Mansion. Jon Fiber’s sound design and Warren Letto’s lighting also add to the frantic and frenetic nature of the piece.
The ensemble brings just the right amount of energy to this light-hearted classic farce. Former EASTENDERS actress Michelle Collins makes for a sassy and sarcastic Miss Scarlett, while MIDSOMMER MURDERS’ Daniel Casey delights as the dapper and pompous Professor Plum.
Wesley Griffith entertains as the hapless Colonel Mustard, as does Tom Babbage as the babbling Reverend Green and Judith Amsenga as the increasingly inebriated Mrs Peacock.
But the real star of the show is Jean-Luke Worrell as the creepy and sinister butler Wadsworth, who delivers a powerhouse performance, often breaking the fourth wall with knowing and cheeky delight.
The ensemble cast of CLUEDO UK Tour 2022. Photo Credit: Craig Sugden
Shame then that the production feels a little uneven and slow in places. Much of the second act sees the characters run around the house, rushing in and out of rooms, slamming doors and bumping into each other. It makes for some entertaining scenes but slows down an otherwise pacey production.
Some of the comedy also doesn’t quite translate as well to the stage as expected, with the odd joke falling flat and some of the slapstick scenes resulting in some bemused, rather than amused, faces.
That said, when CLUEDO works, it works brilliantly, with laughs-a-plenty and moments of absolute brilliance. As we edge ever-closer to finding out ‘whodunnit’, the piece comes into its own, making for a fun and nostalgic evening of entertainment.
CLUEDO runs at The Lowry, Salford, until 2 July 2022
Donna is the Founder and Editor of Frankly, My Dear UK. By day, she works as a digital marketing specialist, by night she reviews film, theatre and music for a wide range of publications including WhatsonStage and The Reviews Hub. Loves Formula 1, prosecco and life.
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