Deliriously daffy, the laugh-out-loud stage version of Cluedo delivers peak humour through sharp direction of a tight, talented cast. 

Based upon the 1985 film that was, of course, based upon the much-loved and much-played 1949 board game, Cluedo the play is both a frenetic farce and a pointed pastiche. Oh So British, it is rather incredible that the stage adaptation was created in America, where Sandy Rustin adapted the screenplay of Jonathan Lynn, The 2017 play saw a number of versions, with the 2022 season continuing its extensive North American tour throughout 2026. 

Cluedo has nods to The Mousetrap, with its radio broadcast opening and isolated wintry setting, and And Then There Were None, in which an assortment of furtive folk gather at the invitation of a mysterious host. Audience appreciation for the knowing humour of Cluedo is boosted by the recent seasons of these plays at this same theatre with some of the same cast members. 

Invited for dinner and then cut off by a storm, the six well known characters from the board game are guided by butler Wadsworth through a chaotic night of murders. With the bodies piling up, the characters eye each other with terrified suspicion, trying to avoid being the next victim whilst also trying to ensure that their darker secrets are not revealed. 

A key feature of this commercial Australian tour is the fact that it has the relatively rare distinction of being an all-new production with a local creative team. Full credit to producer John Frost and Crossroads Live for investing so confidently; the results are absolutely first rate. 

Having assembled a cracking cast, director Luke Joslin elevates the performances by cultivating a uniform approach of high energy, deadpan delivery, and crisply stylised speed and movement. Some of the humour could be eye-rolling in the wrong hands but here every line is a winner, keeping the delighted audience in rapt attention for the full 85-minute running time. 

Joslin is supported by movement director Danielle Evrat, who contributes choreographed action sequences set to the terrific music of composer and sound design Sean Peter. Recreating the complex ending of the film, the farce reaches a dizzy crescendo of rapid-fire dialogue and perfectly synchronised physical comedy. 

Set and costume designer James Browne delivers sumptuous, witty visuals that are a joy to behold. The ingenious scenic design of Boddy Manor allows a surprising number of multiple handsomely decorated rooms to glide in and out of view as the story unfolds. The luxurious costumes are an attraction in their own right. The lighting design of Jasmin Rizk adds flashes of lightning and frequent blackouts to ratchet up the drama of the murders. 

Joslin’s close collaboration with the creative team results in some fabulous chase sequences, complete with requisite slamming of doors, all terrifically heightened by the accompanying music and lighting cues. 

Much as the cast works as a true ensemble, Grant Piro is a clear standout as butler Wadsworth, deftly driving the manic comedy along and delivering an absolute showstopper when Wadsworth recaps the entire play. 

Rachael Beck crafts Mrs White as a noir-esque femme fatale to wonderfully enticing effect.

Laurence Boxhall is a basket of raw nerves as Reverend Green, keeping some juice in the tank, so to speak, for the surprises of the mystery’s denouement. 

Olivia Deeble expertly nails the exotic allure of Miss Scarlett from the moment she steps on stage. 

David James is deliciously plummy as Professor Plum, neatly staying on the grounded side of camp even as the mania rises. 

Genevieve Lemon is a delectable treat as Mrs Peacock, working her stunning costume, wacky white wig, and Dame Edna glasses as vivid expressions of her deceptively doddering character.

Adam Murphy lands the cliché of the befuddled confusion of Colonel Mustard with such precision that it feels perfectly fresh and very funny. 

A strong supporting cast play multiple roles with distinction: Joshua Monaghan as the elusive Mr Boddy, Nat Jobe as Bobby the cheerful bobby, Liv Campbell as perky maid Yvette, and Octavia Barron-Martin as the ill-fated Cook.

Playing its Melbourne season in the ideally atmospheric Comedy Theatre, Cluedo is escapist hilarity at its very best.

Cluedo plays at Comedy Theatre, Melbourne until 15 March 2026. For tickets, click here.

Cluedo plays at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide 21 March – 4 April 2026. For tickets, click here. 

Cluedo plays at Theatre Royal, Sydney 11 April – 10 May 2026. For tickets, click here. 

Photos: Jeff Busby