Review: CLUEDO 2 - THE NEXT CHAPTER, Cambridge Arts Theatre - Tour
Photo credit: Alastair Muir
Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran delve back into the world of board games with a sequel to their successful stage play, Cluedo. Based on the popular game, Cluedo 2 – The Next Chapter is a chaotic and hilarious whodunnit with multiple twists and turns.
The play opens on a stormy night at Gravely Manor where owner and rockstar Rick Black has invited Miss Scarlet (Ellie Leach) to renovate the house. It is there that she encounters Black’s manager Colonel Mustard (Jason Durr), old friend Alex Plum, gold digging wife Mrs Peacock, and not to forget the housekeeper Mrs White.
The first half is a bit slow introducing the characters initially, as they are soon joined by Reverend Green and Mr Grey but, before the end of the first act, there are two dead bodies and the second act is a delight to behold!
The plot is hilarious and the writers have done a very good job at keeping the nostalgic feel to the show and true to the board game, the murders are committed with traditional instruments and the set has a large version of the original 1949 board game as part of the backdrop.
They have injected farce and slapstick into a cleverly woven script, which is well written and keeps the audience guessing right until the curtain falls to end the show. The use of British idioms played off against the American characters is a particular highlight.
The whole cast elevate this performance to another level. Hannah Boyle as Mrs Peacock effortlessly moves between a strong Glaswegian accent and a posh British accent - not an easy feat. Ellie Leach’s first time treading the boards is an all-round commendable performance as Miss Scarlet, with her brief foray into the Argentine Tango well received by the audience.
Jason Durr’s eccentric and, at times, hilariously over the top, heavily accented Deep South cowboy version of Colonel Mustard is highly entertaining but Dawn Buckland’s Mrs White completely steals the show and every scene she is in. Her comic timing is impeccable and the depth to her character is delightful as we peel back the layers of not just a normal housekeeper throughout the piece. You are almost willing her to be on stage at all times.
Movement co-ordinator Anna Healey and director Mark Bell have done a wonderful job with the group scenes where there are sometimes up to ten people on stage, and the montage scenes where characters move through corridors, bumping into each other and even get chased by a bear! All are well structured to ensure set and actors intertwine effectively.
Cluedo 2 is a wonderful sequel and an enjoyable night out for any murder mystery lover. Here’s hoping we have a Cluedo 3 in the works!
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Emma Rooney
Cluedo 2 - The Next Chapter plays at Cambridge Arts Theatre until 30 March before continuing its tour. To book tickets for select touring venues, please click here.