Murdery mystery and flash mob appear in Cunard’s new entertainment programmeMurdery mystery and flash mob appear in Cunard’s new entertainment programme

The eclectic Cunard Showcases programme appears on selected voyages in 2023 and 2024 and sees passengers immersed in the action as the ships become the stage. Performances will be more intimate and delivered in unexpected locations.

Passengers will also be given the chance to see what goes on behind the scenes at ‘In conversation with’ events and workshops with stage and screen talent.

Murder mystery, Sondheim, Nina Simone and circus

‘Cluedo! The Interactive Game’ will take place during Queen Elizabeth’s March 7-16, 2023 sailing. The theatre production comprises a guest company, jazz swing quartet and the Royal Court Theatre cast, with the opulent soiree seeing wine and secrets flowing freely as the murder mystery unfolds.

During the ship’s September 18-27, 2023 voyage, rising star Ellie Nunn and Cunard’s in-house pianist will offer an intimate evening of songs and stories celebrating the work of composer Stephen Sondheim in ‘An Evening of Sondheim.’

Apphia Campbell’s acclaimed play, ‘Black Is The Color of My Voice, ’inspired by the life of Nina Simone and featuring many of her most iconic songs, takes place on board Queen Elizabeth during its October 19-26, 2023 voyage. 

The contemporary circus company Circa has a six-week residency where they’ll showcase how extreme physicality can create powerful and moving performances on board the ship from February 1 to March 10, 2024.

Immersive dining and musicals

An immersive dining experience set in The Verandah restaurant follows the story of the world’s most valuable diamond being transported to France in ‘Murdér at Sea: The Jewel of the Empire,’ taking place as part of Queen Victoria’s March 22-April 2, 2023 cruise.

Between April 3-11, ‘100 Years of Musicals’ will take place on board the ship to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Centenary World Voyage; a cast of leading performers will sing and dance their way through 100 years of best loved musical hits.

Virginia Woolf and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle explored

A wry and amusing performance of author Virginia Woolf’s celebrated exploration of the impact of social inequality on creativity is shown on board Queen Mary 2 in ‘A Room Of One’s Own.’ The sailing takes place June 23-30, 2023.

The following month, ‘Watson: The Final Problem’ will take place on board the ship (July 7-14, 2023 cruise). The one-man play, performed by Tim Marriott (star of BBC’s Brittas Empire), is based on the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s character, Watson.