The world’s favourite whodunnit has stepped off the board and onto the stage. John Frost for Crossroads Live is currently presenting the Australian premiere of Cluedo at the QPAC Playhouse Theatre, a fast-paced, farcical comedy-thriller that is literally a killer night out.
Following a triumphant run across the US and UK, this new stage show—inspired by the beloved Hasbro board game and the 1985 Paramount cult classic—now makes its way to Brisbane. Under the sharp direction of Luke Joslin (Grease, In The Heights), the play brings the suspicious and slightly eccentric guests of Boddy Manor to life in a whirlwind of mystery and mayhem.
First Impressions: Atmospheric Genius
Attending the play at the Playhouse Theatre, the excitement is palpable from the moment you climb the stairs to the lobby. Upon entering, the stage design immediately captures your attention. Designer James Browne cleverly utilised an archway cutout in the curtaining, allowing a peek into the main set, where Yvette (the French maid) occasionally teases the audience by peering out.
As the rumble of thunder booms throughout the theatre—faithfully recreating the atmosphere of the 1985 motion picture—the show begins with a seductive reveal of the archway by Yvette before the main curtains rise to witness Wadsworth and the Cook preparing for the guests’ arrival.
A Masterclass in Physical Comedy
The play moves at a cracking tempo of interchanging scenes. Skilfully adapted for the theatre, the classic mystery is translated into captivating physical humour and hilarious dialogue. The cast members dash and dart around a “liquid” set of sliding pieces that portal actors from room to room—an absolute triumph in set design.
While the plot remains familiar to Clue enthusiasts, the creative licensing taken by the producers and writer results in memorable moments entirely unique to the stage. The second half, in particular, lifts off with well-choreographed dances and a frantically paced sequence of accusations that keeps the audience pulled into the mayhem.
🎤 Five Minutes with Genevieve Lemon
We sat down with the legendary Genevieve Lemon to discuss her experience stepping into the role of Mrs. Peacock.
On the “outside-in” process of becoming Mrs Peacock: “It is quite rare to work from the outside in when building a character for the stage, but Mrs Peacock was exactly like that. The ‘English-style’ dialogue really helps you create the persona, as do the thunder, lightning, and everything else happening in this old mansion. The look of the production is extraordinary; it is truly like a living picture.”
On the show’s unique energy: “This is the closest thing you can experience to being in a musical without actually having to sing. It has a rollicking sense of madness that constantly pulls the rug out from under the viewers, giving them a shock and a surprise.”
On the physical challenge of the set: “Navigating the set is a big ask, especially at my age! You are running around backstage trying not to trip on anything while moving rapidly from the conservatory to the billiard room, the library, or the kitchen. The spaces James Browne and his team have created are just beautiful.”
On why Brisbane was the right choice to open: “I love QPAC. People here really love their theatre, and I think that is a major reason why this production is taking off. It used to be that you always wanted to open a show in Melbourne, but these days, everything goes incredibly well in Queensland.”
On what to expect from the mystery: “I would tell people to expect the unexpected. It is a short, sharp, and very clever retelling of the story. It is essentially like watching a film, except you are seeing the characters sweating on stage right in front of you.”
🕵️♂️ The Verdict
We highly recommend this magical play. It is a visual feast with brilliant performances from a stellar cast:
- Rachael Beck as Mrs White
- Laurence Boxhall as Mr Green
- Lib Campbell as Yvette
- Olivia Deeble as Miss Scarlet
- David James as Professor Plum
- Rhys Muldoon as Colonel Mustard
- Genevieve Lemon as Mrs Peacock
- Grant Piro as Wadsworth
- Octavia Barron-Martin as the Cook
- Joshua Monaghan as Mr Boddy
- Nat Jobe as Bobby
THE DETAILS
- What: Cluedo
- Where: Playhouse Theatre, QPAC
- When: Now playing until 1 February 2026
- Tickets: www.cluedotheplay.com.au
