Mayflower, Southampton – until June 23rd 2024
Reviewed by Lucy Hitchcock
3***
Set within the board game, well known and loved by all, we meet the iconic characters-all of whom have a secret.
Included with the cast, bringing a very loose story together is Rick Black who, married to Mrs Peacock, is murdered. And this is only the beginning. He has hired Miss Scarlett (Ellie Leach) as an interior designer for the house – but before any work begins he is murdered. His money focused manager Colonel Mustard (Jason Dunn) is present as he tries to uncover the murderer alongside Reverend Hal Green (NOT Al Green) and Professor Plum. Added into the mix is Wadsworth – an actor who is commissioned to play a Butler for an advert being shot in Graveney Manor but, as he is dressed the part, he is roped in alongside Mrs White, the cook. Regretfully after much insistence that he is not a butler but an actor, he slips into the role of the Butler, reluctantly grabbing drinks. We see multiple murders and as the bodies begin to pile up, the question is posed – whodunnit?
Unfortunately, I found that the jokes did not land for me and were repeated too many times – so if you didn’t laugh the first time, there is a good chance you won’t at the other 37 odd times (yes, Wadsworth kept count!). I found the acting to be quite pointed but I wasn’t sure if this was a stylistic choice, directorial or otherwise. The scenes were absolutely stolen by Dawn Buckland as the ever listening Mrs White – I happy to see her on stage providing some much needed relief.
The set was superb and is deserving of the praise it got. With the cast being the heavy lifters, it was perfectly choreographed and the transitions were beautifully smooth. Overall, this was a show that did provide some interesting twists, however I’m not sure if I will be rushing back now I know whodunnit.