The MKFM team were invited to see Cluedo 2 at Milton Keynes Theatre, running until Saturday 20th April and here is our review…
Following the successful and critically acclaimed original stage show Cluedo, comes the aptly named Cluedo 2, best described as a fun packed psychedelic farce.
This new version takes you back to 1968 with befitting costumes and a few classic dance moves of the era thrown in.
Most people are aware of the classic board game, the weapons, the rooms and of course the characters, so it was with eager anticipation to see them in the flesh and on stage with the added spice of a few new faces such as Rock Star Rick Black (Liam Horrigan) and his shrew-like wife Celestine Peacock (Hannah Boyce) living the dream in a 17 bedroomed manor house in the country.
The much loved White, Mustard, Scarlett, Green and Plum were all present, along with Wadsworth superbly played by Jack Bennet an actor who is definitely not a butler, but was cleverly treated as such throughout the show with very comical results.
The show wastes no time in introducing the characters and we soon discover the eclectic ensemble all are present to celebrate the aforementioned rock star Rick Black's latest album.
However, as it uncovers, everyone emotionally discovers, much to their shock ,that Rick has been murdered in no less than three different ways! And the deaths continue with murderous mayhem
And so the whodunnit, how they did it and what they did it with, begins.
Mark Bell, director of the riotous The Play That Goes Wrong has done great job with the production reflecting 1960s with elements of the zany moves of the Monkees, the comical timing of the Rowan and Martin show, and the pure bonkers of the original Batman TV series. Without Bell’s influence this nostalgic face could have easily fallen flat on its face.
On a critical note, I personally think a theatre of MK’s standing and the ticket prices deserved better production, the sound was just ok and the lights, and set uninspiring, fine for an end of pier show, but as I said not Milton Keynes theatre.
The cast however, were collectively what you expect, all very professional and all very good.
Writers Maurice Gran and Laurence Marks have written a script that belongs in the decade it reflects. So if you long for the days of Hi De Hi and Dad’s Army or just love like I do, a classic theatrical farce then this show if for you.
Book your tickets now at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes.
