A large group Murder Mystery for aspiring dancers
This scenario was first staged as a surprise birthday party and included line dancing, but it can easily be adapted to include lessons in many other types of dance: ballroom, latin, tap, ballet, hip-hop or jazz for example. Everyone gets a chance to learn some new steps, yet one of the aspiring hopefuls will also learn how to die gracefully. Murder to Measure can provide trained dance teachers to supplement the murder mystery elements, and the names can be changed to suit the guests and the style of dance chosen.
Synopsis
Film producer Ismail Vyapari is looking to fund and cast a British film in the mould of the Commitments using a cast of unknowns. The film, The Full Shuffle is about a group of women who realise their dreams by setting up a line dancing group.
He has already cast his wife, Surjarta in the lead and has persuaded renowned cameraman Len Scapon to be his cinematographer. Thus aspiring actress Phyllis Boots hears about the film through Len's wife, Monica, and persuades her to invite Kanj to a party at her house. She also books a line dance instructor to the party, hoping to impress the impresario. Other hopefuls, including Fay Merwaites clamour for an invite. It's the night of the party, and the story unfolds with the very real possibility of murder on the dance floor.
Participants
Seven active performers in total. The MC/Detective was Claude Body, but this role could easily be taken by any of the other participants.
About 30 guests (limited by venue size) were encouraged to interact with and question the suspects, and were treated to line dancing lessons.
Structure
Staged with performers drawn from the guest list around a buffet type meal. Action took place throughout a farm house, but can easily adapted to anywhere with enough area.
Death(s) occurred in full view of the guests.
Complexity
Easy - a fun event with some lateral thinking and careful observation required to solve.
Age rating
12 - other than the murder and some marital infidelities, there were no "adult" themes.