Locomotive for Murder: The Improvised Whodunnit – Theatr Clwyd

All aboard the murderous train for a fast paced, laugh a minute ride! Amateur detectives, this is your time to shine and find the culprit. With this production, the company of Pinch Punch has managed to add more fun to the “murder mystery” trope, with a slick and silly show for all the family.

The detective leads the audience through a tale of murder, mayhem and… whatever you want it to be! That’s the fun of this show, it is totally dependent on the audience’s input. Whether it be choosing a character’s occupation, the train destination, or who the tragic victim may be, it’s all up to you. The actors boast that they have never (and will never again) perform this show, and they take on whatever the crowd comes up with. Even the characters themselves were forged from snippets of audience stories, which I foolishly mistook as innocent interaction. These actors are at the top of their improv game, and season their performances with fun physicality, the odd local reference and many an innuendo.

A crowd favourite was Sam Martin, who in this performance played a French physics teacher/producer and a synth musician (the joys of multi-rolling). He embodied each character with a reassuring confidence and ease, impressive seeing as though these were as new to him as they were to the audience.

Also taking on a mammoth task was Detective Hugh Dunnit himself. David Fenne manages to drive the entire show, taking us from scene to scene with an authoritative voice and dramatic flair. The detective needs some help, so he mainly converses with the audience, but the magic mostly happens when the cast interact. Playfully egging each other on, they consistently found the funny in every situation.

Lottie Davies was the perfect, lovable mum-type. Ofcourse, she might be playing a completely different person as you’re reading this, but I have no doubt it will still be hilarious. Her character was arguably my favourite of the night, with her warm and joyful nature being apparent in her performance.

The victim of the night was Emma Lowther, but her role in the play didn’t end at her character’s death. Lowther made a brilliant, young nursery nurse but had me in stitches running around as ensemble characters in the second half.

Angela Eyton also had the audience stifling laughter with her absurd half-chicken characteristics (yes, that’s right) as well as her one-liners and quick wit. I was honestly blown away by the ridiculously high standard of every performer in the cast, they are top tier.

The reveal of the killer is not only shocking for the audience, it is for the players too. The actor playing the killer doesn’t know it’s them until after the interval, and even then, the others are playing and guessing along with the audience. A genius addition to this already captivating premise.

Pinch Punch have created a brilliant and original piece of theatre that is sure to leave you giggling. So, get your tickets and board the train before it’s too late! https://www.theatrclwyd.com/event/locomotive-for-murder

Reviewer: Coral Mourant

Reviewed: 12th March 2024

North West End UK Rating: