This hilarious whodunit is a chaotic, brilliant piece of theatre
Presented by: John Frost for Crossroads Live Australia
Reviewed: 22 March, 2026
Many a wintery afternoon or cold winter’s night has been spent around my dining room table playing the Hasbro board game Cluedo. Now, this whodunit classic game has burst to life in a high-energy, comic stage show now playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
Cluedo is based on the 1985 Paramount Pictures movie, Clue, which featured an incredible cast including Tim Curry, Lesley Ann Warren, Christopher Lloyd and Madeleine Kahn. Six guests are invited to a dinner party on a stormy night at Boddy Manor by a mysterious host, Mr White. What unfolds is murder and blackmail wrapped up in a hilarious black comedy. Throughout the production we are constantly asking ourselves the age old questions: Was it Mrs White, in the Library with the rope? Or was it Colonel Mustard in the Kitchen with the revolver? This hilarious whodunit is a chaotic, brilliant piece of theatre.
This production sizzles. From start to finish, the star-studded cast pours every ounce of energy into a faultless performance. Running at 90-minutes with no intermission, this fast-paced show will leave you guessing right until the end.
The ensemble cast are exceptional. Director Luke Joslin has done a remarkable job at keeping the dialogue snappy, the blocking tight and, together with Movement Director Danielle Evray, the choreography sharp. Joslin and Evray’s movement and blocking was only heightened by the support of Sean Peter’s score and sound design, often landing on key accents and off-beats in the score. No ounce of humour has been left unexplored.
As the main named characters, a real who’s who of Australian theatre has been assembled. Olivia Deeble perfectly captures the seductive nature of Miss Scarlett. From batting eyelids and over emphasising innuendos in the dialogue, Deeble has brought a real edge to the role. Adam Murphy brings out the brashness and pompousness Colonel Mustard magically. He has a truly commanding presence and excellent comic timing. David James commands your attention as Professor Plum.
As the divine Mrs Peacock, Genevieve Lemon is hilarious. Lemon has brought out a deliciously wicked character and is memorising to watch as she weaves deceit and accusations. Rachael Beck revels in the role of Mrs White. Beck is known for roles in theatre such as Belle in the original Australian production of Beauty & The Beast and Maria in The Sound of Music, so to see her in a dark and at times menacing role was a delight. It was clear that Beck is loving the chance to find these darker tones in Mrs White.
Adelaide’s own Laurence Boxhall brings a heavenly touch as the nervous Reverend Green. Adelaide has been fortunate to see Boxhall’s incredible skill as an actor over the past few years in The Mousetrapand State Theatre Company South Australia’s powerful The Glass Menagerie. His energy is infectious and really feeds certain key moments of the show.
As the manipulative and conniving butler, Wadsworth, Grant Piro is the driving force behind this production. It is no wonder why Piro looks exhausted by the final door slam. He matches the energy level of Baxhall and then some.
Rounding out the cast is an incredible supporting ensemble. Lib Campbell captures the flirty and devious nature of housemaid Yvette brilliantly. Octavia Barron-Martin, as Cook and other minor roles, brings some excellent comedy moments. Her singing telegram brings the house down. Nat Jobe as Bobby and other minor roles works well against Joshua Monaghan (Mr Bobby, Mr White and others). Monaghan’s Mr White is particularly impressive.
James Browne’s set and costume design is exquisite. In costuming, no detail has been missed. The costuming is bold, comical and suitably outlandish for these larger than life characters. Mrs Peacock’s arrival coat and Mrs White’s hat are absolute standouts. Browne’s set is almost a character in itself. What appears as a static entry hall at Boddy Manor quickly reveals sliding set pieces that appear from the walls. It gives the feeling that we, the audience, are game pieces being slid around the stage.
Jasmine Rizk’s lighting design is magical. Setting the mood as we walk into the theatre, the auditorium is basked in a stormy blue wash, setting up suspense. The lighting throughout the show draws attention where needed, but also plays with the comical nature of the script, supporting blocking and movement brilliantly.
Cluedo is only playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre for a short season. With limited tickets remaining across all performances, grab your trench coat, rally together your fellow detectives and join the fun in the ultimate comedic night out.
Reviewed by Ben Stefanoff
Photo credit: Jeff Busby
Venue: Her Majesty’s Theatre
Season: Until 4th April 2026
Duration: 90mins (no intermission)
Tickets: From $79.90 (plus booking fee)
Bookings: https://cluedoplay.com.au/
Adam Murphy, Adelaide Festival Centre, Crossroads Live, Danielle Evrat, Genevieve Lemon, Grant Piro, Her Majesty’s Theatre, James Browne, Jasmine Rizk, John Frost, Joshua Monaghan, Laurence Boxhall, Lib Campbell, Luke Joslin, Nat Jobe, Octavia Barron-Martin, Olivia Deeble, Rachael Beck, Sean Peter
