Who killed who? With what and Where? How many times have we asked it over the years?
The movie version of Clue, released in 1985, has gained a cult following over the years with its story unfolding, offering multiple possible endings, cleverly playing on the game's concept of various suspects and scenarios. Clue the stage show offers a fresh perspective on the classic board game. It does differ from the movie, but the theatre experience brings its own charms and entertainment value to the table. It's an experience that fans of Clue won't want to miss.
The stage show follows a set storyline, it’s still brilliant. With its thrilling twists, witty dialogue, and inventive staging, the farce-meets- whodunnit makes for an engaging and entertaining night at the theatre. It balances suspense and humour, allowing the audience to become fully engrossed in the mystery while eliciting frequent laughter. The banter and comical situations keep the atmosphere light, even as the tension rises and the stakes increase.
Director Isaac Owen has taken his passion for the game and played it on the stage in front of about 100 people. And It is well played Mr Owen, well played.
The cast chemistry and camaraderie on stage contribute to the overall adaptation, making the journey through the endless twists and turns and moving walls. Miss Scarlet ( Grace Chau) is a seductive, cunning character. She delivers Miss Scarlet's double entendres with a blend of charm and wit, keeping the audience on their toes as they uncover her true intentions. The eccentric Professor Plum ( Dan Ferris) is portrayed with great comedic timing with Ferris fully embracing the character's quirks. Colonel Mustard (Tracey Okeby Lucan) is often depicted as a brash military Colonel, and Okeby Lucan captures that essence perfectly. With a booming voice, she evokes plenty of laughter with exaggerated mannerisms and over-the-top reactions to the unfolding events. Mrs White, the black widow ( Claudia Bedford) is brought to life by Bedford, who combines dry wit with a touch of mystery. With her quick one-liners and observational humour, she reveals glimpses of her past and relationship with the others. Mr. Green (Carlin Hurdis) has a myriad of emotions as the nervous, allergy plagued member of the group Whether stumbling over his words or showcasing his knowledge unexpectedly, Hurdis injects humour and warmth into the role while the group's grand dame, Mrs. Peacock (Julie Mathers), exudes confidence and sophistication. She is portrayed in this iteration as the crisp 50’s senator wife, complete with peacock feather. Mathers takes the stage elegantly, delivering Mrs. Peacock's cutting remarks with impeccable timing.
As the alluring French maid, Yvette (Fabiola Pellegrino) captivates the audience with her sly wit, subtle charm, and a hint of hidden agendas. Her flirtatious demeanour and quicksilver shifts in temperament add intrigue to the unfolding mystery, leaving the audience intrigued and uncertain about her true motivations. Special nod to Cassandra Gorman, who manages a whopping six different roles. My favourite was the cook with that meat cleaver and those shifty eyes! But did she do it or was she done in?
And then, there is the Butler, Wordsworth, played by Clive Hobson whose commanding stage presence and nuanced delivery drew the audience into the narrative, immersing them in the unfolding drama and heightening the stakes of the mystery. The energy and charisma he brought to the role reverberated throughout the production.
The stage show can be limited by the constraints of a live performance. However, this challenge is met with a creative set design that cleverly captures the essence of the iconic Clue mansion. The use of props, lighting, and staging techniques effectively create an immersive atmosphere, transporting the audience into the world of the game. The stage seamlessly transitions between different rooms of the mansion, allowing the action to unfold in various locations, keeping the pace and audience focus and for true fans the team have buried a few easter eggs.
The lighting and sound design create the atmospheric backdrop for the unfolding events. Eerie shadows and strategically placed spotlights amplify the chilling moments, while well-timed sound effects punctuate the action, enhancing the tension and jump scares. The team on teach and backstage work seamlessly together to bring all of the elements together, timing is key and they nailed it. While the costumes were bang on, just how you would imagine them to be leaping of the board onto the stage.
Throughout the performance, the actors engage with the audience, inviting them to become amateur detectives trying to piece together the clues and identify the culprit.
With its strong performances, clever dialogue, inventive set design, and interactive elements, Clue engages audiences from start to finish. Whether you're a fan of the game or love a good whodunit, Theatre on Chester's Clue is a must-see for theatre enthusiasts.
I gave it four and a half candlesticks in the library 📚 with Mrs Peacock. 🦚
Or do I?