Cluedo 2, UK Tour Review (2024)

Reviews

9 Oct

Reviewed by Stacy for Theatre and Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review

The Darlington Hippodrome is the place to be this week as the UK tour of Cluedo 2 comes to town, bringing the classic board game to life with a theatrical production that mixes murder mystery, slapstick comedy, and a touch of nostalgia. For those who grew up playing the game, the show feels like an immersive trip back to those intriguing evenings of guessing suspects, weapons, and locations. With familiar characters and a charmingly vintage vibe, the play offers an evening of light-hearted entertainment.

The narrative begins with a quirky assembly of the familiar characters—Professor Plum, Miss Scarlet, Colonel Mustard, Mrs. Peacock, and others—who gather at the iconic Boddy Manor for what appears to be an innocent gathering. But as expected, secrets unravel, tensions rise, and a murder(s) takes place, leaving the audience and characters guessing. The plot thickens with every revelation, and each character’s alibi becomes more dubious, building suspense while delivering plenty of laughs.

The clever scripting allows each character their moment to shine, playing up their familiar traits and exaggerating them for comedic effect. Professor Plum (Edward Howells) is as befuddled as ever, Miss Scarlet (Ellie Leach) brings her usual flair, and Colonel Mustard (Jason Durr) provides a hilarious dose of bravado. Mrs Peacock (Hannah Boyce) is particularly delightful and Mrs White (Dawn Buckland) delivers witty one liners with impeccable timing resulting in some of the night's biggest laughs.

The cast is evidently having a great time with their roles, embracing the campy, over-the-top style that fits the tone of play. The chemistry among the ensemble is palpable, making the banter and suspicion-filled exchanges feel fluid and spontaneous. Their playful interaction with the audience at times (breaking the fourth wall in just the right measure) adds an extra layer of engagement. The characters are self-aware, leaning into the absurdity of the murder mystery genre in a way that never takes itself too seriously, leaning heavily into character-driven humour to keep the audience entertained even when the plot takes a meandering turn.

The production design evokes the world of Cluedo with clever touches. The set is a visual delight, presenting a series of rooms from the game—complete with hidden passages and mysterious corners and the seques between scenes are slick and inventive. It’s designed to encourage the audience's imagination while still grounding them in the classic game's world. The use of lighting and sound effects, especially during moments of tension or when a new clue is discovered, adds to the atmosphere, creating moments of suspense before swinging back into the humour.

Mark Bell, best known for directing The Play That Goes Wrong, ensures the pacing stays brisk, even during the more exposition-heavy scenes. His direction manages to balance a blend of farce and mystery, making sure the jokes land without detracting from the central whodunit, yet still evoking the superb brand of chaos and physical comedy he is well known for.

Cluedo 2 is hapless theatre at its finest, a thoroughly enjoyable tribute to a beloved game. It’s a show that knows its audience and delivers exactly what they came for—a blend of nostalgic charm, quick-witted humour, and the timeless fun of a classic murder mystery. If you’re looking for a night of laughter, intrigue, and a little bit of detective work, this show delivers in spades (or, perhaps, with a candlestick in the library).