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Jason Durr - Cluedo 2 Interview

Inspired by CLUEDO, the classic Hasbro board game, CLUEDO 2 is a brand new comedy mystery - on stage!

With an all-new story, written by BAFTA Award winners Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran and directed by Mark Bell - Director of the original hit UK production of Cluedo and the global hit, The Play That Goes WrongCluedo 2 – The Next Chapter, is a rollocking spoof of a comedy that will keep you guessing right up to the final twist and invites budding detectives of all ages, from 8 to 80 and beyond, to watch for the clues and unravel the secrets, as we all try to work out whodunnit…. with what... and where!!

Photo by Alastair Muir

The brilliant cast includes West End and TV star Jason Durr, whose numerous credits include leading roles in Heartbeat and Casualty, playing Colonel Mustard and award winning actress and star of Coronation Street and Strictly Come Dancing champion, Ellie Leach, playing Miss Scarlett.

The show is touring throughout the year with dates booking through until 30th November 2024. The tour completes its run at Royal and Derngate in Northampton.

We sat down with Jason Durr to discuss the show.

Where did your performing career begin?
After leaving school I did a three year acting degree at LAMDA in London. My first professional job was at The Royal Shakespeare company.

Were there any people or performances that inspired your formal years?
As a drama student I was fortunate to get to know Sir Laurence Olivier very well. His work was a great inspiration to me. He was even kind enough to help me with some audition speeches.

What can you tell me about your role within Cluedo 2?
I’m having a fantastic time playing Colonel Mustard. He’s a brash, swaggering, hard-nosed business-man, all cowboy boots and Texan accent.

What attracted you to the role and the production?
After nearly seven years on BBC Casualty, up to my eyes in blood and gore, I fancied some fun! Cluedo 2 is a high energy, laugh-a-minute show that’s such a joy to perform, so I’m having a great time.

What was your reaction like when you first read the scripts?
This play is a hoot!

You’re well known for your TV work but how much of a draw was it to be back performing on stage for a live audience for you?
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of performing on stage. You can’t beat the immediate reaction of a live audience. It’s so exciting and wonderful when people experience laughter and entertainment together.

Photo by Alastair Muir

What is the biggest challenge of performing in this show?
The fast pace of the scene changes take a degree of focus and fitness, but the cast are a great team and we make it work.

How do you prepare for a performance?
We always do a physical and vocal warm up together as a cast before each show, then I don my cowboy boots and moustache and I’m on!

Other than Cluedo, what would be your go-to board game of choice? 
Bananagrams. It’s simple, portable and hasn’t caused family arguments.

If you were a biscuit, what would you be and why?
I don’t eat biscuits, but I do sometimes enjoy an oatcake. So I’d be a Rough Scottish Oatcake

If you were hosting a dinner party, who would be your dream 3 guests?
My three children, Blossom, Felix and Velvet - they’re the best company I could ever want and thanks to my wife Kate, they can all cook brilliantly, so they’d make the dinner and I know it would be Fabulous!

What keeps you inspired?
The chance of playing so many different and challenging roles.

What do you hope an audience takes away from seeing Cluedo 2?
Happy faces after a fun night of entertainment and laughter.

Cluedo 2 is touring with dates booking until 30th November 2024. The show plays at Royal and Derngate in Northampton from 26th until 30th November. Find the the full tour schedule at https://www.cluedostageplay.com/

Photo by Alastair Muir


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