Farcical murder mystery hits the stage

A FARCICAL murder mystery is set to hook audiences with lots of laughs and guessing when Beechworth Theatre Company (BTC) performs ‘Clue’ in two weeks’ time. The play Clue originated from the well-known murder mystery board game Cluedo and is adapted from the 1985 film, Clue. Six card characters – Miss Scarlet, Mr Green, Mrs Peacock, Colonel Mustard, Mrs White and Professor Plum will come to life on stage when invited to Boddy Manor to find out about blackmail they have all been subjected to. Their host Mr Boddy gives them each a weapon asking them to snuff out someone else in the mansion to stop the blackmail. The play gathers pace as Mayhem erupts when more people are murdered with frantic characters trying to discover the murderer and recover evidence. BTC director for the play Brad Buckingham said the theatre group selected Clue based on the successful Vicar of Dibley play last year with sold out performances. “Ideally we needed a comedy, something recognisable, had good characters and a little bit different to what we did last year which was a sitcom,” he said. “Unlike the movie Clue, this has just the one ending and the six characters people will remember from the board game. “We end up with six different people dying at various points and the audience will be trying to figure out who did it, and we thought that would be fun." Mr Buckingham said the play is written for live music with the BTC production having a piano accompanist. Local pianist Margot Baker will tickle the ivories from start to finish. “The music sounds a bit like that used for a 1920 silent movie, and the play is also very slapstick,” he said. “In parts, there's five doors on stage where characters are charging in and out trying to find the evidence against them and trying to find the killer, and at the same time not to get killed.” Mr Buckingham said auditions took place last year with rehearsals kicking off in February this year. “We’ve had three months of rehearsal three times a week,” he said. “New stage sets have been built by the Beechworth Men’s Shed.” Mr Buckingham said he looked forward to audiences being ‘on board’ with the play. The director said the Friday evening shows gave people the chance to grab dinner beforehand or afterwards for the late afternoon shows on Saturdays. “Sunday performances are at 2pm and people could go out for lunch and then see the show," he said. “We're hoping these opportunities will feed into the local economy as well.” The play is adapted from the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn and based on the Paramount Pictures film written by Jonathan Lynn and the Hasbro board game. Friday performances for 9 and 16 May are from 7.30pm to 10pm, Saturdays on 10 and 17 May from 4.30pm to 7.30pm, and Sunday 11 and 18 May from 2pm to 5.30pm. For tickets visit www.stickytickets.com.au/itidl/clue_on_stage.aspx or sold at the door unless sold out prior.

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