Cluedo

Cluedo is based on the famous board game and film, and it has now been adapted into a play.

Directed by Mary Portalska, it was clear that the production had been carefully thought out. The play moves through a number of rooms in the mansion, and Mary had clearly considered the route to each one. It was also evident that diction had been worked on, as everything could be heard and understood.

Wadsworth, the very English butler, was played by Nick Johnson. I liked how Nick performed with an air of mystery. I particularly enjoyed the section in Act 2 where he retold the story — full of energy and very well executed.

The key characters in the play mirror the familiar roles from the Cluedo board game: Colonel Mustard (Ian McInally), Mrs White (Jane Southey), Mrs Peacock (Mary Goodfellow), Reverend Green (Barry Grossman), Professor Plum (Tim Palmer), and Miss Scarlet (Hannah Robinson).

Hannah’s portrayal of Miss Scarlet carried a sense of mystery, and her small comments hinted that she had met some of the other characters before — a strong performance.

Tim Palmer gave Professor Plum the academic, slightly romantic qualities required. His facial expressions and characterisation were excellent.

Colonel Mustard is a pompous military man, and Ian McInally captured this perfectly. I enjoyed the Colonel’s frequent misinterpretations of what other characters were saying.

Mary Goodfellow played the church‑going Mrs Peacock, hysterical at times in a way that was very funny.

Did Mrs White kill her previous husbands? That is the question posed by Jane Southey’s performance — mysterious, melodramatic, and very enjoyable.

The timid Reverend Green, played by Barry Grossman, was portrayed well, which made the twist at the end even more effective.

Claire Westlake played the cook and gave the role a strong, threatening presence. Yvette (Amelia Brown) had her own secrets, and her death scene at the end was well delivered.

The set was excellent. The use of video was particularly effective it helped the audience understand where the characters were in the mansion and provided a distraction during set changes. The doors and the signs above them worked very well, and the sliding set pieces were cleverly designed. This was a well‑constructed, well‑thought‑out set.

I really enjoyed this play. It was funny, well-acted, and engaging throughout. Thank you to the front‑of‑house team for their hospitality.

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