Maybe it was the ‘sold out’ sign at the box office, or the massive queue, which I waited at the end of, anticipation intensifying with the perceived popularity of the production. The expectation was short lived with the opening number - a ludicrous rendition that would be repeated several times over. There was clearly talent present in the cast of Cluedo, unfortunately the one-dimensional, wearisome script did not allow much of it to shine through.This show gets three stars purely for the consistency and quality of the acting. The scenes and styling are beyond stereotypical for a murder mystery and the tongue in cheek aspect which I should have enjoyed, lacks the appropriate execution. Nevertheless, somehow the cast manage to keep it together. In addition, I have to admire whoever devised the blocking for the songs and scenes, as all movements are expertly executed. They give exactly the right kind of sentiment to the audience, and create an appropriate amount of focus on whichever character is leading the scene.However, acting and singing do no always go hand-in-hand. The musical part of the show would have been much more enjoyable had the songs been in-keeping with the overall period and style of the production. Costumes and historical references make it obvious this is a 1930’s murder mystery so where is the Jazz and Swing music so popular at the time? Having a modern musical in the jazz style would have been a far more classy and original concept.One week is probably enough for this Fringe production, and I really do want to encourage new writing, I only hope that the author learns from this experience and comes up with something crisper, wittier and more meaningful next time.
