The Cluedo 'franchise' has taken a few different forms over the years since its first incarnation in 1943 - from board game to TV show and now stage-play - the ominously simple premise lends its hand so well to all of its variants.
I think 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 again.
This production follows on from the first round of the stage show which toured in 2022 and, following unbridled success, Cluedo 2 is the next chapter of the story. However it's also a stand-alone piece and doesn't require you to have seen the original or even, really, have experienced the Cluedo-verse before.
Pushed forward to the swinging 60s, the story follows rock 'n' roll legend Rick Black who hasn't had a hit for years and he's broke. But as he settles into his grand new, expensive home he's desperate to revive his fading career and reclaim his fame and fortune.
He's assembled his supermodel wife, Emerald Peacock; his manager, Colonel Eugene Mustard, long-time roadie “Professor” Alex Plum, Annabel Scarlett his trusted interior designer and housekeeper Mrs White (who came with house and who knows all its secrets).
Written by BAFTA Award winners, Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran (Birds of A Feather) and directed by Mark Bell (Cluedo, The Play That Goes Wrong) this is a spoof of a comedy that will keep you guessing right up to the final twist.
Similar to the last incarnation, it seems like a slightly novel concept for a play - but it's easy to see why Cluedo 2 has got audiences around the UK on their feet.
However what really stood out tonight are the performances. Jason Durr (Casualty) and Ellie Leach (Coronation Street) are the two named actors on the promotional material - however Ellie isn’t performing in Birmingham. Durr was excellent and 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 Dawn Buckland as Mrs White and Jack Bennett as Wadsworth. For both of them, their mastery of physical comedy is second to none and their delivery of some beautifully written lines is perfection.
Cluedo 2 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 27th July. For more information, or to get your tickets, head online to atgtickets.com/birmingham.
