Theatre Royal, York – until 16 March 2024
Reviewed by Katie Brewerton
3***
After the success of the Cluedo stage play, Cluedo 2 comes to York this week. Once again based on the hit board game which is celebrating it’s 75th Birthday this murder mystery stars all the well known characters, from the game and is set in a huge 17 bedroom house, Graveney Manor. Directed by Mark Bell, who also directed the original Cluedo production this show offers more of the same, with a thrilling new story which will keep you guessing right until the very end. A completely separate story from the previous show you don’t need prior knowledge of the previous play, but if you did manage to catch it you’re sure to also enjoy this one.
Set in the 1960s rock star Rick Black (Liam Horrigan) gathers a group of people to hear his latest record, including Miss Scarlet, played by 2023 Strictly Come Dancing Winner Ellie Leach, who has been hired by Black to renovate the crumbling manor, his wife Mrs Peacock (Hannah Boyce), his manager Colonel Mustard (Jason Durr), housekeeper/cook Mrs White (Audrey Anderson) and employee Professor Plum (Edward Howells). With a commercial being filmed in the manor there’s also a few unexpected arrivals including Wadsworth (Jack Bennett), due to play the butler in the commercial, he is most certainly not a real butler.
When the mismatch of characters meet to hear Ricks music they soon discover Rick has been murdered, the question is ‘Who dunnit?’ with the additional reappearance of Rev Hal Green (not to be confused with Al Green) after a mysterious absence there are many secrets to be uncovered including affairs, long lost relatives and hidden identities. Is there anyone without a secret to hide? With twists and turns at every corner Cluedo 2 will you keep you guessing right until the very end.
With spoof like comedy from the beginning this is a feel good show that will keep you entertained throughout, the set is excellent with scenes running through the manor house and set changes incorporated well in to the story.