Michelle Collins stars as Miss Scarlett in theatre’s Cluedo

“We all need a bit of glamour in our lives, don’t we darling?” said Michelle Collins.

The glamour in question comes in a role she has dreamed about since she was just a little girl, that of Miss Scarlett, the most glamorous and potentially most deadly member of the cast of Cluedo.

The new play, coming to the Churchill Theatre in Bromley from January 28 to February 5, is based on the film Clue and originally the murderous board game that Ms Collins was obsessed with as a child.

‘“We all wanted to be Miss Scarlett” said the actor, who is famous for parts in EastEnders, Coronation Street, Doctor Who and Casualty.

“Miss Scarlett is one of the most iconic characters, along with Colonel Mustard and Professor Plum maybe, which makes it more difficult to play,” she added.

“Me and my sister would go and stay with my five cousins and we would all fight for that part but because I’m the bossy one, I would always get it.

“And I think because of lockdown people have gone back to board games, just to be together really.”

It’s funny that board games have brought us back together when you find out that Cluedo was actually invented during the Second World War, when people were stuck at home during air raids, almost out of boredom.”

It adds a lovely dollop of nostalgia to the fun, and the murder, of Cluedo.

It may sound a bit of a strange concept, a play based on a film based on a board game but to Ms Collins it makes perfect sense.

She said: “It’s a comedy whodunit.

‘I’ve done a Miss Marple and everyone loves those. And it’s great to dress up in period clothes, 40s clothes – so glamorous.”

On the topic of her character, she said: ‘I’ll have to have my own take on her but it’s really exciting to play someone who, like most women, has more going on than you see on the surface.

“She has a history. She’s very smart, looks glam and dressed up but she’s the smart cookie.

“I’ve never seen the film but I might swerve it because this will be very different: very funny, very dry a little dark at times but ultimately great entertainment.

“And I think it’s the perfect climate for something feel-good like this. People are desperate to get back to the theatre. They miss that creativity in their lives.

“And it’s great that the play is something for all the family, something everyone can enjoy after the couple of years we’ve had.”

So, is Miss Scarlett the one to watch? Is it her in the library with a revolver? Or Professor Plum in the library with a candlestick?

Ms Collins tapped her nose conspiratorially, saying: “Well, you’ll just have to come along and find out, won’t you?”