Clue on Stage

Thurrock Court Players' production of CLUE ON STAGE is faithful to the film but with a theatrical flavour that is only possible in live theatre. The ensemble gathered together by director Victoria Grayling are well suited for this madcap romp and all do a great job keeping the story moving, eliciting numerous laughs along the way. The blocking required by the story is specific and seemingly complicated, yet all seems effortlessly executed.  

The story is set in the 1950’s. The play opens on a dark and stormy night. Six people arrive at the home of one Mr Boddy. As they arrive, we start to see the strange story unfold. It is a special dinner party and all are greeted by the butler, Wadsworth (an amazing portrayal by Luke Coldham) who is truly the person who makes this work as well as it does. I don’t want to give away to much of the story or the characters within, but will tell you that within this production is probably the funniest death scene I have ever seen. 

This is a show that proves that there are no small parts. Sydney Price as Yvette the stereotypical French maid and Cody Gray as the Cook are both delights to watch. Even Michael Southgate, Jim Wilkinson, Joe Drury, Lily Grayling and Martyn Williams who all play very small parts are integral to the story and its movement. 

The other cast members, each being a character from the game itself are all powerful: Miss Scarlet (Lauren Jones is a delight to watch), Professor Plum (deftly handled by Wayne Prince), Mr. Green (the powerful and very funny Josh Handley), Mrs Peacock (played to perfection by Jill Snelling), Mrs. White (Christina Ashford is dynamite) and last, but certainly not least, David Carey who brought to life the comic role of Colonel Mustard.  

The set was intricate and gave the illusion of being in a large house with all the famous classic board game rooms, kitchen, lounge, study, ballroom, hall, and such. With different areas of the stage being lit when the action moved from room to room. The costumes for each character felt close to those in the game, with some unique and period-appropriate choices. The sound (Mike Jones) and lighting created a spooky and sinister mood that worked well. 

Thank you for the kind invitation and lovely welcome. I had an entertaining night out and the audience around me certainly enjoyed it immensely. Well done to you all.

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