IF you are looking for a fun night of madcap murder mystery escapism then here's some info you should write down and use in evidence...

Cluedo 2 is a lively, highly enjoyable new production inviting you into a wacky world frequented by the characters from the famous board game.

A very versatile cast bring it alive with plenty of laugh-out-loud gags and observations along the way.

The inventive stage set comprises a huge backdrop board game layout featuring the study, library and other locations where the dastardly deeds are perpetrated.

The various interiors of the mansion are wheeled on and off by the energetic cast who frequently freeze frame, break the fourth Wall and provide some very clever illusions.

The many chase sequences are also superbly choreographed.

Slapstick is a notch above any you will see in a panto.

Written by Maurice Gran and Laurence Marks - the comedy writing veterans of Goodnight Sweetheart and Birds of a Feather fame - it showcases strong comedic structure and timing.

Director Mark Bell adds some theatrical touches. He is a past master at this type of entertainment having won accolades for The Play That Goes Wrong.

There's plenty of innuendo and references to pop song titles, Donald Trump and local references slotted in from West Kirby to Birkenhead.

The action takes place in a rock star's mansion thus the pop theme threaded throughout the tale. Rick Black is murdered but who killed him?

And there's more sinister skulduggery going on in the creepy corridors.

The show' s motto is: 'you'll laugh till they die.'

The first half rattles along but it is the rampant second half when it fizzes with ample anarchic humour inspired by the Marx Brothers and the spoof Naked Gun genre.

If you missed the first Cluedo play doesn't matter this is a whole new roll of the dice l, so to speak.

It stars Jason Durr (Heartbeat and Casualty) as Colonel Mustard and Strictly Come Dancing champion Ellie Leach as a 60s Miss Scarlett but it is an ensemble piece allowing everyone their moments of glory and gory.

Whodunnit, why did they do it and where did they do it?

Well, l am not giving any clues in Cluedo 2 . . .  suffice to say that on a cold November night it's as as welcoming and comforting as a mug of warm cocoa.
 

4 Stars
Slick and Sparkling
Until Saturday
0151 666 0000