PLATFORM CLUEDO | STAGE REVIEW
Four Elms, Cardiff, Sat 17 Jan
Giving a platform to artists with work in progress, Splatch Cardiff used NoFitState Circus’ space to create their Cluedo themed event.
On entry everyone was ushered to the ‘library’ where – accompanied by a very talented harp player transporting us to a more classic time – Splatch members interacted dressed as Cluedo characters.
In small groups we were encouraged by the character-ushers to wander, only to ‘accidentally’ stumble upon the crime scene. The stench of ketchup-blood set the fun and social tone for the evening.
After being given maps of the space we witnessed a spoken word act, groovy themed burlesque dancers and a terrifying display from a tightrope walker who performed above the audience.
Mrs Peacock, earlier an usher, performed a very theatrical trapeze act and totally embodied the cabaret theme with her ditzy humour. Followed the by the ukulele playing duo, Flossie and Boo. Witty lyrics and cheeky interactions with the audience brought a level of professionalism to the night as everyone roared with laughter at their ode to Boris Johnson and his famous bikes.
Other less polished acts felt so unrehearsed they bordered on unsafe but there was a thrilling sense of invading someone’s rehearsal and it became hard to look away from these acts specifically.
A Samba drums group accompanying a hulla hoop act brought everyone flocking back to the main hall with impressive time keeping according to our map-schedules. The percussive music was powerful and the performers clearly loved being in that moment.
Everyone seemed to enjoy moving about together, exploring and interacting as if these acts were frozen pieces of art. This could have easily been seen as inconvenient but there was a genuinely positive vibe of discussion and support. The Cluedo theme waned by the end of the night and the unveiling of the killer happened so quickly I’m still not sure of who it was, however this may have been due to the £2 glasses of wine. An entertaining, full evening that gave an insight into the spectrum of talented Cardiff based performers, Splatch Cardiff have definitely created their own fan club.
words SINNEAD ALI