Cluedo 2 @ New Theatre Cardiff Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Lisa Warren
I took myself on a solo date night for this, and it did not disappoint! This play is a delightful mix of classic humour and inventive storytelling, unapologetically awesome, mixing in classic game elements and hilariously poking fun at them the whole way through. Dropping in some topical and local gags along the way and improvising when scenery didn’t turn up quite in time.
The host Rick gets whacked in his study, and its chaos with the knife, the rope, the candlestick, and the wrench all in play. The plot thickens, more bodies, more suspicions and more laughs. The characters were all super interesting and rather random, yet by the end of the play you felt you knew them all well. It had cringetasitic moments, old gags and some slapstick fun, including a moment of pure panto fun! But it all worked seamlessly even the musical interludes and dance montages, showing off one of the famous cast members winning tango! It was packed with quick-witted humour and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.
Comedic writing? Fabulous! And the timing? Spot on, I have to give a huge shout out to Mrs White who popped up all over the place, and the kitchen scene, my stand out favourite was a divine comedy of delectable, sweet treats!
The production was simple yet super effective, with some amusing hall running, billiard games and ballroom waltz and a random bear all the way through it, still not sure why. Lyrics of well known songs dropped into the mix for some giggles, even some Shakespeare thrown in. A miss time slap noise effect, missing table and use of a cushion during a dying scene all made it a fab watch!
If you need a good laugh and a fun night out, you absolutely have to see this show.
I was worried as it was so hot outside that this old building would be uncomfortable and stuffy, but far from it, the air-conditioning at the New Theatre was on full blast and whilst it was welcome in the first half, by the second half it was a bit chilly to be honest. But the time flew by as it was a much faster place and full of twists, laughs and more bodies!
In the interval I overheard audience members at the bar and back at the seats in deep discussions about who they thought had dunnit. It also kept me guessing and laughing right up to the last minute.
A gorgeous theatre, situated in a fab much quieter part of Cardiff City Centre, lots of parking nearby, bars and food. Near to the Castle, train and bus station. Bars on each floor with a good selection of nibbles and drinks. The staff was super friendly and welcoming and it had good accessibility areas as well. A great show, lush place I’ll definitely be back!
Rating: 4.5/5
https://trafalgartickets.com/new-theatre-cardiff/en-GB/event/play/cluedo-2-tickets
New Theatre, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3LN
£24 – £48 Thu 27 – Sat 29 Jun 2024
7.30pm, 2.30pm