A mansion murder mystery
This scenario was first performed in May 2008 in Hertfordshire, and has subsequently been adapted for other venues and performers. All roles were played by Murder To Measure performers.
Synopsis
The historic Thyme Castle has been the ancestral home of the D'Eath family since the 17th century. The Baron Wayste is a hereditary title created in 1603, now held by the 20th baron, known as Lord Wayste of Thyme.
The family has a murky past, but has put this aside in recent years, following the 19th Baron's decision to open the castle to the public 43 years ago. Since that date, the castle's extensive collection has been cared for by Dusty Tomes, but in recent years he has not seen eye-to-eye with the new Baron, and has decided to retire. The Baron has decided to mark the retirement with a gala dinner for staff and friends of the castle.
The Baron is committed to unlocking the castle's ancient secrets, greatest of which is the mysterious death of the 4th Baroness, Grisela D'Eath, who was killed in 1690. To that end, he has hired the services of a forensic archeologist who has arrived at the castle in the last couple of days to study the body and read through the ancient papers concerning the case.
He feels sure that with his expertise, and the combined knowledge of the staff, he can find out what happened to Grisela.
Participants
4 or 5 participants plus MC for the evening. May include some doubling.
Structure
Staged with Murder To Measure performers around a traditional 3 course meal.
This has been staged subsequently with substantially different characters and outcome. The nature of the plot makes this less suitable for performance by inexperienced performers.
Some death(s) can be viewed by the guests, but there is an added historical element which is spoken about, but not seen.
Complexity
Medium - some lateral thinking required, but the emphasis remains on fun rather than hard sleuthing.
Age rating
12A - contains themes such as marital infidelity and murder, but no explicit references.