Manchester Theatre News & Reviews
REVIEW - Cluedo 2 is great fun - combining the twists and turns of a whodunit tale with classic comedy
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On Tuesday, we were invited to The Lowry to see Cluedo 2 - The Next Chapter. Read what our reviewer, Lizzie Johnston thought about this entertaining play...
Cluedo, a beloved mystery board game that’s brought together generations and one of the most well known games, has been adapted once again for the stage. Returning to The Lowry, Cluedo 2 brings to life a brand new tale, set in the swinging 1960s, with a new house, new suspects and a new mystery. Despite having missed out on seeing the first Cluedo play, Cluedo 2 is a show on its own and far from a sequel. It still has the same iconic characters and rooms as the game, and first show, but stands on its own.
The plot revolves around rock n roll legend, Rick Black, who hasn’t had a hit in years and is consequently broke. As he’s settled into a new, expensive home named Graveny Manor, Rick desperately needs to revive his career and fame. Along with his wife, manager, interior designer, and butler (is he even really a butler?), the group uncover each other’s mysteries and secrets, particularly as the bodies start to pile up.
The set design was a standout for me, it was simple and used the iconic elements of the original game in such a creative and lively way. At the back was the layout of the board, with the corresponding room lighting up for each scene. Throughout the show, there was great attention to detail for each room, despite the simplicity and minimalism of the overall layout, a few pieces of furniture and the correct props completely transformed the set into different areas of the manor house. The costumes also paid homage to the famous characters and classic roles of murder mysteries, but added a 1960s twist to make them relevant to the storyline.
All of this paired with upbeat music to move the play along made for brilliant and entertaining transitions. I particularly loved how the longer transitions would take you through different rooms of the house, including a quick game of billiards.
The ensemble cast were superb, embracing the heightened style of comedy and fully committing to the over the top nature of their characters. Each actor brought the iconic names to life with their own unique flair, with characteristics you would imagine each role to have when playing the original game.
Ellie Leach (Strictly Come Dancing, Coronation Street) took on the role of Miss Scarlett, in her stage debut. She captured the character’s wit and charm with effortless grace, which ultimately added to the surprise elements of the fascinating twists in the plot.
There was no standout character for me, as the whole cast kept the audience entertained throughout. The physical comedy was cleverly crafted to make it look natural and effortless, with some moments deliberately bigger than others compared to other subtle touches that added an extra comedic element to the scene, which could be cryptic clues, ultimately making the production feel interactive and exciting.
The ensemble cast included Jason Dunn (Losing Louis, Follow My Leader, A Chorus Line) as Colonel Mustard, Jack Bennett (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Ecstasy, Windfall) as Wadsworth, Hannah Boyce (The Judas Kiss, Lord of the Flies, Around the World in 80 Days) who took on Mrs Peacock, Mrs White was portrayed by Dawn Buckland (Sinatra the Musical, Rehab the Musical, Nativity! The Musical), and Edward Howells (The Polar Express, Still Life/Red Peppers, The Boy With the Cuckoo Clock Heart) played Professor Plum.
You don’t need to be a fan of the board game to enjoy this play, it’s simply a modern twist on traditional murder mysteries and combines the twists and turns of a whodunit tale with classic comedy. It’s lighthearted and easy entertainment, giving the audience a chance to embrace their inner detectives and see if they can figure out who the real murderer is among the group. This kept the audience hooked throughout, as we wanted to process the clues and be engaged with the whole experience.
The classic board game translates to the stage brilliantly in Cluedo 2, creating an immersive theatre experience for all ages. It’s a must-see for board game fans and theatre enthusiasts alike.
WE SCORE CLUEDO 2...
WATCH OUR "IN CONVERSATION WITH JASON DURR AND ELLIE LEACH" VIDEO DISCUSSING THE PLAY
Cluedo 2 is on at The Lowry until Saturday 6th April 2024.
