Cluedo 2 – The Alexandra, Birmingham

Based on the popular board game of the same name and the successful original Cluedo play, Cluedo 2 arrives in Birmingham in its mysterious glory.

Fading rock star Rick Black is trying to relaunch his career.  He’s invited his entourage (with very familiar names) to his multi roomed mansion for the first play of his new song. However, someone in the house has other ideas and chaos soon ensues. Is everything as it seems? Who did what to who where and with what?

A “spoof” like this has a style of performance that is unlike a serious play, everything is exaggerated a little more than normal, overly dramatic poses and reactions, adding to the comedy. The whole cast (including the bear) worked together to bring the game and story to life with strong characterisations throughout.

Every murder mystery needs a butler, Wadsworth (Jack Bennett) fills this role expertly with a mix of reverence and madness in his performance raising plenty of laughs. Mrs White played by Dawn Buckland, is the savvy housekeeper, her perfect comic timing keeps the laughs coming, especially when they venture into her  kitchen in act 2. Liam Horrigan starts the play as Mr Black, but continues to play contrasting roles throughout the show, spotting these is a game in itself.

You know you are in safe comedy hands with a script written by Maurice Gran and Laurence Marks, masters of the sitcom since the 80’s. Alongside direction by Mark Bell (The play that goes wrong, The comedy about a bank robber and the first Cluedo play). There is a nostalgic feel to some of the comedy, intentional or otherwise.

The set is ingeniously designed by David Farley, with the familiar game board as a backdrop that subtly indicates which room of the house the scene is in. This is a useful  additional guide as the scenery for each room is more of a suggestion, a kitchen unit and fridge, a dining table or a glitter ball. Not only does this give more space for the action but also allows for some of the most creative scene changes I have seen. These stylised  changes are intended to keep the momentum of the story going as the cast travel between the rooms of the house.

There is plenty of humour in this production created with both the script and physical comedy. With twists and turns there is never a dull moment as you try to spot the clues to solve the mystery.

It might not have you rolling in the aisles unless you are a fan of this parody style of show, but there are laughs to be had and an enjoyable evening of entertainment.

Reviewer: Annette Nuttall

Reviewed: 23^rd July 2024

North West End UK Rating: