Cluedo! The Interactive Game.

Brisbane Immersive Ensemble present an evening that’s more of an experience than a show. Forget sitting passively in the audience as a voyeur. This production invites everyone to dress up in 1930s costumes and become immersed in the narrative.

It’s Australia in 1936, and you’re invited to a splendid party hosted by the esteemed Doctor Black (Colin Smith). The champagne is flowing, a live jazz band is swinging, and everyone is having a blast in the ballroom. What could possibly go wrong? If you answered, ‘murder’, of course you’d be correct. There’s no rush to get to the homicide, with plenty to see and do before the victim meets their maker.

You’re submerged in a carefully curated world with Doctor Black and these familiar characters: Colonel Mustard (Zane C Weber), Professor Plum (Joel O’Brien), Madame Peacock (Elizabeth Best), Mrs White (Jessica Kate Ryan), Reverend Green (Tristen Teller), and Miss Scarlett (Geena Schwartz). You can interact as little or as much as you like with the party guests and cast around you. You’re invited to converse with them, but if you like, you can just stand back and occasionally eavesdrop on the scripted conversations between cast members.

The majority of the scripted scenes establish motives for each character. During part two of the evening, the guests are split into six groups to investigate the murder. Each group is assigned a detective as a guide as you look for clues and interrogate the suspects.

It’s impossible to see and hear everything that occurs, as the action takes place around seven rooms: the ballroom, drawing room, parlour, study, lounge, dining room and conservatory. Characters improvise private conversations with party guests and each group engages in their own interrogations, during which the cast improvises answers. The result of this format is a unique entertainment for every individual present at the event.

The cast are adept at the scripted sections, with some stronger than others at improvisation. A few actors have to suppress some corpsing during improvised scenes. Best acting of the evening comes from Colin Smith in the role of host, Doctor Black. He is outstanding in both the scripted and improvised sections, never dropping character for a moment. Professor Plum (Joel O’Brien) and Reverend Green (Tristen Teller) also show excellent focus and characterisation. The best female improviser is Elizabeth Best as Madame Peacock. Geena Schwartz as Miss Scarlett provides some lovely realism in the improvised interrogations.

The live band is outstanding, however the combination of live music and a packed venue make for a very loud atmosphere during which you do sometimes struggle to hear the actors.

The sets are amazing. Every room is beautifully realised. The attention to detail is mind-blowing. The same can be said of the costuming by Kaylee Gannaway, in particular, Mrs Peackock’s gown and headdress and Colonel Mustard’s uniform are outstanding, but all of the costumes are superb. 

Some of the time between scenes feels over-long and could be tightened up. Also, the time waiting for the scripted scenes to start at the opening of the evening could be shortened by half.

Overall, Cluedo! The Interactive Game is a singular experience offering great value for the ticket price. It’s a lot of fun for those who enjoy solving puzzles and especially enjoyable if you’re willing to get into the spirit and dress up in 1930’s formal wear. If you get the chance to attend this show, it’s highly recommended. Step back in time and solve a murder mystery with some friends.  

Kiesten McCauley