A Murder Mystery Suitable for Pubs, Inns and Hotels
This scenario was first staged at the Rose and Crown in East Lambrook Somerset in March 2007. Having been given free rein with the scenario, the actual landlord of the pub found himself usurped for the night, having been replaced with a very highly strung traditionalist with a dysfunctional family and a poor relationship with the brewery.
Synopsis
The NOSE and CLOWN (a Weathercock Inn) is in the semi-finals of the national competition, Inn For a Penny. The winner will be able to purchase a multi-million pound inn as a going concern in the South East of England for just 1p.
The prize will go to the publican who demonstrates the best inn-keeping ability, and it's only the Nose and Clown and the Dusty Bat left in the competition.
The Landlord Arthur Shandy has to organise a sit down meal for 50 guests to impress the competition judge Ian Spectre. However, he doesn't reckon with the brewery rep Benedick Dover turning up to make some suggestions on how to improve sales. Also thrown into the mix is Arthur's daughter, Andrea Shandy (known to her friends as And ) and her wayward new boyfriend Mercury to announce their engagement. Both cause havoc. Add Arthur's lovely young second wife Cheri Shandy (ne Kohler), and there is a recipe for disaster.
Participants
Six active performers in total. The MC/Detective was Benedict Dover, but this role could easily be taken by any of the other participants.
About 50 guests (limited by venue size) were encouraged to interract with and question the suspects throughout as they circulated around both dining rooms
Structure
Staged with Murder to Measure performers around a tradional British 3 course meal. Action took place in two inter-connecting dining rooms with introductions and final revelation in a common reception area.
Death(s) occurred in full view of the guests.
Complexity
Medium - a fun event with some lateral thinking and careful observation required to solve.
Age rating
12A - contains some references to mature themes, eg. drug abuse.