For Jason Durr and Ellie Leach, part of the appeal of starring in Cluedo 2 was that their characters were originally simply cards in a board game.
“We get the chance to play them as live action characters,” said Jason, Colonel Mustard in the show. “We have been given this great opportunity to bring these iconic board game characters, who have not had a life, alive - to give them a heart and a soul.”
Written by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran, a stellar partnership responsible for Birds of a Feather and The New Statesman on TV plus Dreamboats and Petticoats on stage, Cluedo 2 is the second comedy murder mystery to tour the UK.
The show is at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre later this month and former Coronation Street star and reigning Strictly champion Ellie promises that audiences are in for a good time.
“When you see ‘murder mystery’ you don’t really think comedy,” she said. “But that’s what struck me when I first read the script - it’s just so funny. It’s such a fun show to be part of.”
“I think if you are paying good money to come and see a show you want to be entertained,” said Jason, “and we certainly tick that box. Like any good whodunnit we keep the audience guessing all the way through but there are so many laughs along the way.”
Cluedo 2 retains the characters from the board game, and the first stage show, but has a completely new storyline set in the swinging Sixties complete with authentic soundtrack and fashions.
“Who wouldn’t want to wear a little 60s red number and boots?” said Ellie. “When I saw it I thought ‘this is so cute’ and once I put the dress on I’m in my Miss Scarlet zone.”
Cluedo 2 is Ellie’s first live stage role after spending 12 years playing Faye Windass in Coronation Street and she’s loving performing in front of an audience.
“This is completely different to anything I’ve done before,” she said. “I developed my acting skills on Corrie and the performing live aspect from my time on Strictly - she won the 2023 competition with professional partner Vito Coppola - and married them together for this tour.
“But I’m learning all the time. Jason and the rest of the cast are so experienced and are always there to help me. At first I did feel out of my comfort zone but everyone has been so supportive and I’m just loving it.
“I’m so happy I got to do Cluedo 2 as my first theatre show. Then there’s the comedy as well, something else I’ve not done before.”
Although Jason has vast amount of stage experience, he will be probably best known for his time as David Hide on Casualty.
“I’ve not been on stage for about 10 years so it’s been great to get back into live theatre,” he said. “Ellie has taken to it like a natural and the whole cast is just so good. It just feels good to be flexing those acting muscles again.”
Another thing that may require flexing is the fulsome moustache which Jason has as Colonel Mustard.
“Oh, his moustache is the real star of the show,” laughed Ellie.
“I always thought I’d look good in mustard,” said Jason, “but the clincher to taking this job was to be able to have a big moustache.”
It’s clear that the stars of the show are having a ball taking it around the country.
“I just think that it’s a real tonic for the world we live in today,” said Jason. “It is a comedy drama but also so uplifting. We have an enormous amount of fun performing and that translates to an audience, they pick up on that. It’s a couple of hours which are really good for the soul.”
So how do the cast relax in between performances? A quick game of Cluedo perhaps?
“I think that might be a bit weird,” said Ellie, “that’s taking dedication a bit too far.
“Actually I have to admit that I have never played Cluedo. My family weren’t big board game players so it’s not something I ever did.
“But it’s just such an iconic game that I knew all the characters - that’s why I was so excited to be part of the show.”
Ellie can always look to co-star Jason for tips should she ever decide to play the board game.
“As a kid we lived in Hong Kong so we didn’t have telly,” he said. “There were three main games we played - Monopoly, Subbuteo and Cluedo. We all loved Cluedo as that was the one which always sparked the arguments.
“Last Christmas my kids bought me a vintage version of the game which was rather special - I think that’s life imitating art or something like that.”
Cluedo 2 continues its run around the country until November so what is in store for its two stars when the run comes to an end?
“I very much like to live in the present,” said Ellie. “We’re in this show for a few more weeks and I don’t want to take that for granted. I’d rather just enjoy it. This year has been an amazing one for me but as to what’s next? Who knows/ hopefully it will be something equally exciting.”
Jason added: “I think you are always looking for something that excites you or perhaps something you haven’t done before. Whether that’s on stage or TV it doesn’t matter. Let’s just see.”
Cluedo2 is at Blackpool Grand Theatre from Tuesday, October 15 to Saturday, October 19. Details from www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk
