3rd November 2025 | REVIEW | Annabelle Langley DST First Night contributor, The Hooter Co-President (25/26)
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South College’s Oswald’s Players returned this term with their take on Cluedo, a production bursting with laughter, energy and unmistakable mystery. It was refreshing to hear people in The Nest during the interval discussing their theories - a true testament to the cast's ability to capture the audience. Directed by Lulu Dodds, this show was a perfect example of how the society continues to transform a small stage into a fully immersive world of mystery and comedy.
Image: Oswald's Players Theatre Company
From the outset, the production balanced chaos and control fantastically.
The cast’s chemistry was palpable with every line, reaction and perfectly timed joke feeding into the audience’s laughter. Clem Charles, as the singing telegram girl, chef and police officer, delivered some of the night’s most unexpected and hilarious moments. She sent the audience into stitches time and time again and demonstrated how the show thrived on surprise moments and jokes.
Image: Oswald's Players Theatre Company
Ella Beresford’s Mrs Peacock was another standout, with impeccable comedic timing. Maisie James brought just the right balance of charm and sharp wit to Mrs Scarlett, balancing the line between serious and silly perfectly, her ‘£5’ joke was subtle but one of the funniest of the night. Ollie Painter delivering Colonel Mustard’s ‘Cluedo board’ gag was one of the show’s comedy highlights, a clever meta nod to the source material. Abbie Wells was equally captivating as Mrs White - so convincing, in fact, that it is hard to tell where she ended and the character began.
The show’s visual world (designed by Charles and Elena Bromidge) was equally strong. The set design deserves high praise as being imaginative, varied and remarkably well-utilised for a space of its size.
What never fails to impress me about Oswald’s Players is their ability to make every inch of the stage count and Cluedo was no exception.
Image: Oswald's Players Theatre Company
The transitions (led by Stage Manager Oliver Storey) were smooth, the staging tight and the atmosphere spot on. The costume design was fabulous too; each character was instantly recognisable, from colour palette to accessories. It was great to see that even the minor characters received the same level of attention and care. It’s clear that no creative choice was lazy with every detail contributing to the immersive experience.
Tom Rickman’s sound design was another highlight, particularly the clever nod to a former Oswald’s Players president Jake Holding, a small touch that showed how deeply rooted this society’s sense of community is. It is this combination of in jokes, talent and care that makes their productions feel so alive.
Alex McNeice as Wadsworth captured the stage. Their whirlwind recap monologue was fast-paced, witty and wonderfully physical. The delivery managed to be both informative and hilarious, cementing them as one of the night’s standout talents. IIan Miller’s Reverend Green also deserves a mention - from his first command to ‘sit down’ he was set to be a witty and hilarious character. Nicholas Herod (Professor Plum) also commanded the stage, playing the stereotypical psychiatrist with just the right amount of absurd self-seriousness.
Behind it all, Lulu Dodds’ direction tied the chaos together beautifully. The pacing was slick, the audience engaged with the comedic moments and the ensemble worked as one cohesive unit. The result was a show that felt confident and collaborative.
It’s a shame not to have seen the traditional cameo from the JCR President or Alex Flaherty as ‘the Door’, but given the tighter source material, it’s understandable. And even without those familiar faces, the production maintained the same playful energy audiences have come to expect.
The show was so immersive that it even brought about a real mystery in The Nest - why did the gas explode during the interval? Luckily Harry Grimmett was just a good a mystery solver as those on stage and got The Nest ready for crucial post-show celebrations.
By the time the curtain fell, the audience’s laughter and applause said it all.
Cluedo was clever, creative and ridiculously funny, a testament to the talent. The society continues to attract passionate performers and creatives from across the university and this production showed exactly why. With stellar performances, thoughtful design and boundless enthusiasm, Cluedo proved that even the smallest stage can deliver something spectacular. The Hub was full and sets the perfect foundation for a promising year. ●
Image: Oswald's Players Theatre Company
Cluedo played 2nd November 2025 at the Mount Oswald Hub, Durham. Produced by: Oswald's Players Theatre Company (@oswaldsplayers), in association with Durham Student Theatre (@studenttheatre), South College JCR (@southcollegejcr), and Broadway Licensing UK (https://broadwaylicensing.co.uk).
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