Set on a dark and stormy night at Boddy Manor, an unusual dinner party takes a deadly turn, plunging the evening into chaos. The guests must race to uncover the murderer before the body count rises.

The talented cast of enthusiastic first-year students—who took College Production as their Extension Studies option—trod a fine line between comedy and suspense, keeping the audience guessing until the very end. Like the game itself, staging this whirlwind of rooms, weapons, and clues demanded precision and kept the ensemble constantly on their toes.

Director and Head of Drama and Theatre, Jayne Taylor, said:

“With only eleven afternoons to create this world, the commitment from our 6.1 performers and the guidance of our 6.2 directors and choreographers has been brilliant. Huge thanks to our dedicated production team for crafting the mystery of Boddy Manor.”

The cast were also challenged to create their own improvised characters for the script. With support from the 6.2 students, they developed ‘The Tour’, a ghostly subplot that added an extra layer of intrigue.

The Pit Band, made up of both 6.1 and 6.2 Music A Level students, brought the score to life.

Claire Whittaker, Head of Music, said:

“It is a wonderful opportunity to give students the experience of leading a pit band for a theatrical performance.”

Second-year students supported the cast as the production team, taking on responsibilities in directing, choreographing, stage management, and technical operation throughout the process.

Last spring, when planning for ‘Col Prod 25’ began, Malcolm Hart theatrically declared to the department: “If we don’t use this scenery this year, I’m throwing it out!” They called his bluff—and the result is the largest set ever created for a College production. Much of the box set had been stored for many years.

Malcolm added:

“I would like to dedicate the Cluedo set to the class of ’04, especially Steve and Dave, who left some spectacularly spicy graffiti scrawled on the back of the scenery. They’ll be nearly 40 now!”

actor dressed as a chef with a knife in cluedo

Congratulations to all the Cast and Crew!

Cast: Stanley Clement (Wadsworth), Charles Ferguson (Wadsworth), Katie Abberton (Yvette), Josefina Power (Yvette), Annabel Middleton (Miss Scarlett), Daisy Allen (Mrs Peacock), Carole Paris Gasselin (Mrs White), Joseph Vaughan-Williams (Colonel Mustard), George Mallinson (Professor Plum), Leo Teles (Reverend Green), Grace Sewell (Cook/Miriam), William Klain (Mr Boddy, Chad McLovin), Katie Vasallo (Singing Telegram Girl/ Dancer), Bella Anderson (Newscaster/ Dancer), Isla Fletcher (Bobby/Dancer), Anabel Reid (Motorist/ Princess), Sage Udernani (Inspector/Marilyn Hepburn), Elizabeth Compton (Casper McFadden), Charlotte Voss (Audrey Monroe), Rose Johnson (Dancer)

Choreography: Daisy Kelly, Isla Bayman

Backstage Management/ 6.2 Directors: Ada Tanbas, Adriana Johnson, Lewis James, Jessica Sarbutts, Julia Kryzaniak, Matilda Atkins-Richardson, Harriet Weinberg and Chloe Letton

Pit Band: Oscar Stopford (Violin 1), Poppy Price (Violin 2), Alisha Parameswaran (Flute), Carla Crockford (Saxophone), Charles Ferguson (Trumpet/Arranger), Lily Dickie (Trombone/ Arranger), Benjamin Russel (Piano/ Arranger), Ella Lister and Indira James- Middleton (Electric Guitar), Owen Oastler (Bass Guitar), Chloe Wilcox and Jessica Douglas (Drums)

6.2 Technical Crew: Eben Rowan (Lighting) Seb Malherbe (Sound) Freddie Welsburg-Paterson (Backstage Lighting), Ada Tanbas (Props and Painting), Isla Bayman, Daisy Kelly (Projections), Mathew Tucker (Followspot and Chandelier)

Staff: Jayne Taylor and Mary Cassidy (Co-Directors), Claire Whittaker (Musical Director), Malcolm Hart (Production Manager), Richard Glanville, Keith Blackeway (Set Construction)