WHAT MAKES A GREAT MURDER MYSTERY EVENT?

Events and Plays

What makes a great murder mystery evening, play or event? Chris Shelstone explains how to set up and perform a succesful play using one of Chris Shelstone's murder mystery scripts.

We suggest first acting out a scene of events in front of an audience placed in cabaret style seating with tables, so people can sit together in groups. Minimal set is required.

Within the play there is a murder (or sometimes 2) which the audience obviously don't see. They watch the reactions and or aftermath of the murder with various details released of what happened and potentially who was seen where and when. Then the curtain is pulled 

During the intermission drinks and or food can be provided.

During the second half of the play a further period of accusations and arguments ensue, which is then brought to a conclusion with a detective arriving and asking the audience to help them out.

The audience are invited to call the murder suspects to their table to ask any questions. 

The murder suspects are then taken away to a side room while the audience complete a solution sheet and submit it for inspection to determine the winner(s) and maybe a booby prize for the most outlandish accusation.

The suspects present themselves in front of the audience and the murderer is revealed with the reasons why the deadly deed was done. 

We find that an injection of comedy in the script and performance greatly enhances the enjoyment of the murder mystery evening and although our drama group perform other plays, variety shows and pantomimes. 

This proven successful format is great for amateur dramatic groups performing at a village hall, church hall organisations, social clubs, that can be used as a fund raising event as well as a local theatre setting.

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