The Cluedo 'franchise' has taken a few different forms over the years since its first incarnation in 1943. From board game to film to TV show and now stage-play - the ominously simple premise lends its hand so well to all of its variants.
Aside from playing the game itself during my childhood, my first meeting with Cluedo was the British television gameshow - and I was an unashamed addict. It was an appointment to view during the 90s and introduced a generation to the murder mystery classic and it's fair to say I was more than excited that I could immerse myself once more.
First thing's first - this isn't the TV show on stage. In fact this production follows the style of the 1985 US film more closely, seeing a group of people who have taken on the persona's of the six characters we know and love arrive at a manor house. There, they're greeted by a butler who introduces them to his master; Mr Boddy, who has seemingly been blackmailing each of the group individually. Over the course of the production, we see a number of people murdered, with the group needing to deduce whodunnit in order to get out alive.
It seems like a slightly novelty concept for a play, but within minutes of the piece starting it's easy to see why Cluedo has got audiences around the UK on their feet.
The staging is simple. One multi-purpose space which takes on the persona of rooms around the house. For true Cluedo fans, all of the spaces you'd expect to see are represented and even the secret passages get an airing too! The weapons are all there, with an elaborate unveiling which can't help but elicit a smile from the audience and reference to the classic 'person-location-weapon' guesses make this a welcomed nod to an old favourite.
However what really stood out tonight are the performances. Michelle Collins (Eastenders) and Daniel Casey (Midsomer Murders) are the two named actors on the promotional material - and it's true, they were both excellent. Casey, in particular delivered a stand-out performance this evening. But this is clearly an ensemble piece which absolutely gets better and better the longer you watch.
This is a FUNNY show. We're talking proper belly laughs, specifically from Jean-Luke Worrell (Comedy About A Bank Robbery) and Tom Babbage (The Play That Goes Wrong) as Wadsworth and Reverend Green respectively. For both of them, their mastery of physical comedy is second to none and their delivery of some beautifully written lines is perfection.
Wesley Griffith also shines as Colonel Mustard, playing him as someone slightly eccentric and with little common sense gives the audience a real empathy for the character.
Cluedo could easily be a novelty use of a brand to make a quick buck. But make no bones about it, this is a fast-paced, heavy duty show that's delivered with an amazing energy that makes it a joy to watch.
Cluedo plays at The Alexandra until Saturday 7th May. For more information, or to get your tickets, head online to atgtickets.com/birmingham.
