A hilarious spoof murder mystery with twists and turns you won’t expect 

“Cluedo 2 – The Next Chapter” unfolds against the elaborate backdrop of the iconic Cluedo board, bringing to life the classic game in an inventive way I didn’t expect. As the characters move around the board, I was really captivated by the ingenuity of the set design and how seamlessly it translated the game to the theatre. The show is very good at staying true to the board game giving it a nostalgic feel I just loved. Each set was unique and had purpose, there were a lot of moving parts from room to room and the cast made each change seamless. 

The production is quick-witted and funny, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. From clever wordplay to slapstick comedy, there was never a dull moment on stage. The dialogue was nuanced and quick-witted. However, amidst the humor and chaos, there were also moments of genuine suspense and intrigue, as the plot twisted and turned, keeping us guessing until the very end. 

The entire cast truly shines, and their energy brings fun to the performance. Hannah Boyle delivers a standout performance as Mrs. Peacock, effortlessly transitioning between a strong Glaswegian accent and a refined British one. Dawn Buck’s portrayal of Mrs. White is scene-stealing, capturing the audience’s attention with impeccable timing and stage presence. She nailed each one liner, having the audience in stitches with each line. My only wish was that she was onstage more. Jason Durr’s portrayal of Colonel Mustard, with his eccentric and sometimes hilariously exaggerated Deep South cowboy accent, is thoroughly entertaining.

At the interval my friend and I found ourselves debating who the murderer could be, each of us with our own theories and suspicions. We were way off the mark most of the time, with the plot taking many unexpected twists. Without spoiling anything I can say that the ending did not disappoint. 

The first act was a bit slow in its character introductions and setup. But by the second half all of the characters from the game had arrived. The show is much more fast-paced in the second act and with more physical comedy. It’s a production tailor-made for fans of old-school comedy, with clever jokes and witty banter. Some of the jokes did feel a bit overused, losing their impact with repetition, though they remained cleverly delivered nonetheless.

The play combines classic humour with inventive storytelling, offering audiences an evening of laughter, suspense, and unexpected surprises. With its ingenious set design, stellar performances, and clever plot twists I’d recommend it to any fans of comedy and mystery.