WRITING reviews of local community drama or musical groups can sometimes present problems for local journalists.

Should you be kind because the company needs the seat sales, or should you tell the truth?

Well in the case of Thurrock Courts Players' production of Clued on Stage, which began a very short three performance run this evening (Friday, 9 June) I don't need to be 'kind' because it was a belting show and, as I understand it, there not many seats available for the final two performances at 5pm and 8pm tomorrow, so Courts don't need any help. If you can get one (click here), you won't regret it.

Which is great, because it means I can unequivocally say it's a tremendous production which I, and a packed audience on opening night, thoroughly enjoyed.

I came to this production astonishingly unaware of the mega film of the same name from 1985 which starred, among others, Tim Curry.

In the modern parlance 'my bad'.

So it is with great joy that I can say I turned up at the Thameside Theatre with no expectations or a contrasting viewpoint. I watched the show for what it was.

And it was terrific.

The premise is quite simple, it's a comedic, dramatic take on the age-old board game of Cluedo.

And this show is tremendously entertaining.

Yet again I am forced by the very nature of a stupendous personal performance to single out our local hero Luke Coldham for his performance as the butler, Wadsworth but it would be grossly unfair not to mention the other significant players Sydney Price, David Carey, Christina Ashford, Jill Snelling, the ubiquitous Josh Handley, Wayne Prince, Lauren Jones and Michael Southgate.

Plus a huge round of applause to the support players and the technical crew who yet again made the most of a small stage with superlative lighting and sound.

There were a couple of dodgy moments but they fade into obscurity in the overall context of the show and I am certain those lucky enough to have tickets for Saturday night's finale will see every wrinkle ironed out.

The key to any show is to leave the audience wanting more and, Thameside Theatre survival permitting, the 39 Steps awaits.

And I genuinely can't wait …… long may Thurrock Courts Players have the opportunity to delight and entertain us.