Cluedo
★★★★☆ Farcical
St Ninian’s Hall (Venue 230): Mon 10 – Sat 22 Aug 2026
Review by Hugh Simpson.
Cluedo, from Edinburgh Theatre Arts at St Ninian’s for the first two weeks of the Fringe, is a lively parody of the murder mystery genre, performed with pace and panache.
Sandy Rustin’s play is adapted from Jonathan Lynn’s screenplay for the movie Clue (the name of the game Cluedo in the US), moving the action to the UK. So that’s a play by an American, set in Britain, adapted from a screenplay by a British writer for an American film set in America, based on an American version of a British board game. And if you can’t follow that, you’ll have problems with a play that revels in its own complexity, with ludicrous twists and several competing endings. As a straight whodunnit, it has considerable flaws, but as a comedy it works.
Stuart Mitchell, Colin McPherson, Georgie Purvis, Mags McPherson, Janey Grant, David McCallum and Danny Farrimond. Pic: Finlay Black.
There actually is a problem with the UK setting, however. The set-up (the familiar six game characters of varying hues are being blackmailed, and a series of murders ensue) works fine in the movie. Post-World War Two, with McCarthyism a preoccupation, a plot in which characters are accused of unAmerican activities rings true. A story of unBritish activities, linked to a tribunal dealing with corruption in the Board of Trade (that needs a programme footnote to even register with the audience) has nothing of the same impact.
Put that aside, however, and it’s a fun romp, with Ruairidh Hastie’s wonderfully-judged direction (aided by Colin McPherson’s astonishingly detailed set) providing pace, endless movement and a series of complicated entrances and exits that are beautifully timed.
breakneck farce
The momentum builds nicely throughout; a more sedate first act is followed by a second half that plays out like a breakneck farce, and even features a bravura panto-style recap by Edward DeRuiter’s all-action, desperately suave butler Wadsworth.
The various suspects are played with commitment and glee. Danny Farrimond’s Colonel Mustard is a blimpish yet sympathetic buffer, Janey Grant is a haughty Mrs White and Mags McPherson is a buttoned-up Mrs Peacock.
Catriona Scott and Kirsty Doull. Pic Finlay Black.
David McCallum’s nervous Reverend Green, Colin McPherson’s self-important Professor Plum and Georgie Purvis’s uber-glamorous Miss Scarlett comprise a parade of characters with secrets.
Of course, they might not be what they seem, which could also be said for Kirsty Doull’s faux-French maid, Catriona Scott’s cook, or Stuart Mitchell’s Mr Boddy. Derek Marshall and Angus Shearer’s police officers complete an ensemble that is beautifully drilled.
Everything about the performance is carefully considered and well timed (including Ian Cunningham’s lighting) which is necessary for a play that has so many elements of physical comedy. Admittedly, it’s all completely daft, but it’s great fun.
Running time: one hour and 50 minutes (including one interval).
St Ninian’s Hall, 40 Comely Bank, EH4 1AG (Venue 230).
Monday 10 – Saturday 22 August 2026.
Mon-Fri: 7.30pm; Sat: 1pm & 6pm.
Tickets and details: Book here at EdFringe.com.
Edinburgh Theatre Art’s website: edinburghtheatrearts.com
Facebook: @edinburghtheatrearts
Instagram: @edinburgh_theatre_arts
TikTok: @eta7612
Danny Farrimond and Edward Dereuiter with Mags McPherson and Janey Grant. Pic Finlay Black.
ENDS
