Melbourne review wrap: Cluedo at Comedy Theatre
Cameron Woodhead
THEATRE
Tip ★★★
Comedy Theatre, until March 15
Every generation from Boomers knows clue. Versions of the game have been around since 1949, and kids tend to learn what a murder mystery is by playing it long before they meet Agatha Christie.
Childhood nostalgia for the series supports this commercial comedy. Adapted from Jonathan Lynn’s 1985 film. Clue (a box office flop that garnered a cult following) and a talented cast embrace the madness of a series that’s feather-light on tension and plot but full of mildly diverting shenanigans.
The six usual suspects are invited to an English country house under the assumed names of characters from the play: Professor Plum (David James), Miss Scarlett (Olivia Deeble), Miss Peacock (Genevieve Lemon), Colonel Mustard (Adam Murphy), Mrs. White (Rachael Beck) and Reverend Green (Laurence Boxhall).
They are greeted by butler Wadsworth (Grant Piro), French maid Yvette (Lib Campbell) and the dour, knife-wielding Cook (Octavia Barron-Martin). When their elusive landlord, Mr. Boddy (Joshua Monaghan), shows up, it’s only long enough to reveal malevolent designs before racking up the body count.
What follows is a chaotic hunt for the killer(s), serially interrupted by more potential victims, and features a mix of ludicrous visual gags, over-the-top caricatures, deadpan and comforting jokes, and tightly choreographed physical humor with strong elements of revolving door comedy.
Each actor combines moments in the spotlight. They all enjoy playing with the genre’s stereotype, but Piro’s henchman gives the most versatile (and ridiculous) performance, acting as a kind of emcee; Boxhall’s neurotic, jelly-limbed slapstick isn’t far behind.
Production values are high, and the set and costume design are on par with the style of murder mystery theatre. Mouse Trap – HE clue gleefully satires.
I’d like to see a move towards more diverse casts on these types of shows. The game’s nominal setting in 1940s England requires little historical accuracy or naturalism when it is based on a game played by everyone. clue if it better reflects contemporary Australian audiences it could have wider appeal.
This said, clue It’s not something that pushes the envelope. Nor is it the “great night out” that the billboards claim. No, this is a simple comedy; It’s a comfortable, well-conceived commercial entertainment that doesn’t feel welcome.
Reviewed by Cameron Woodhead
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