How a Typical Murder Mystery Party Works
Things to Consider
All of our murder scenarios are flexible, and if you would like things to run differently then just talk to us and we'll accommodate your wishes. The following are common requests.
- Can we have a mix of your performers and ours? Of course.
- What if we aren't having a meal? Not a problem. We will structure the event around any activity, or suggest something to suit.
- Can we include a hunt for clues? Where practical we can always include a treasure or scavenger type hunt
- Can you provide...? We can provide pretty much anything you need - costumes, venues, advertising etc. Just ask.
Prior to the event
Murder to Measure contacts the event organiser, and we agree on aspects of the scenario, including:
- Date, time, duration and venue,
- A suitable theme and format for the event,
- Whether the organising group wishes to provide performers,
- Final price.
If the organiser is providing performers
Wherever possible, we like to meet with the performers to get a feel for their character and interests, so that the scenario can be tailored to their abilities. Where this is not practical, the organiser will provide an indication on the performers' natural character, and the scenario will be based on those discussions.
Before the event these volunteers are assigned characters, and given some suggestions as to what they might wear, how they will act, how they interact with other characters etc. Murder to Measure remains on hand to discuss any concerns they might have before the event. Note that unless requested differently, volunteer performers do not know who the victim(s) will be, or who the murderer is, so they can join in with the detection work.
On the day of the event
- The MC arrives at the venue before the guests and sets up the scenario.
- Performers arrive, and are re-briefed on their characters etc.
- Guests arrive and mingle, perhaps over aperitifs
- Performers arrive in ones and twos, and introduce themselves to the other guests
- The meal commences. During the meal, and between courses, various events occur. If we are providing the performers, then they will circulate amongst the guests, and guests will have more of an opportunity to interact with and question the suspects. We like to encourage everyone to take part, so this is your chance to really get involved. The more you ask, the more you are likely to find out, and the more likely you are to determine the motives, so guests are encouraged to probe.
- At some point during the meal, a murder will occur, and the detective (often the MC) will step into action, and finger a few of the suspects
- As coffee is served, the detective will question the suspects. This serves to reinforce any information that guests didn't glean over dinner, but also allows guests to pose questions to narrow down the suspects.
- Guests are invited to deduce the murderer(s) and motive.
- The guilty party is revealed. Prizes are awarded to the best answer (and usually to the daftest answer.)
- We all take a bow, and the scenario ends
- Everyone is amazed and very talkative. Performers remain on hand and chat with the guests.
Of course, as your event is tailor-made, your running order may differ from this, so this is provided for guidance only. If you have any special requests we will always try to accommodate them.
