A few weeks ago I was perusing the noticeboard at work and saw an advertisement for a Murder Mystery evening at one of our local theatres.
Now long time readers of mine may know I have a penchant for this kind of thing, and so does my best friend, H.
We happened to be working together that day and so I mentioned the event to her. I knew she had done similar events with her family and thought it could be a jolly decent night out!
I rang the theatre and duly booked two tickets and we waited for the event to happen.
This one was called “Death at Downtown Abbey” and was set in the 1920’s.
Well…. I had a lovely Gatsbylady flapper dress in the wardrobe. It would have been rude not to wear it, wouldn’t it?
Gorgeous Gatsbylady
As pretty at the back
H went and got herself a gorgeous navy blue flapper dress and we were both all set.
1920’s Style
Old time style
Eventually the evening came round and H arrived at my door all resplendent in ther 1920’s clobber.
Ready for Murder
We had asked the hubby nicely to drop us off at the theatre and duly arrived around twenty minutes before it started.
Vintage Vixens
Walking into the function room we were faced with several tables, ours was number 7. We were the only people dressed up in the style of the era. Now, this could have been a bit uncomfortable. However, we both loved what we were wearing, so didn’t feel out of place at all!
No, we couldn’t keep a straight face either!
We got our drinks and headed for our table. This was a simple table for two which was different to our previous experiences where we had been sat with a larger mixed group.
Loving it already
We were quite happy with the arrangement though and settled down with our drinks and waited for the event to start.
Bottoms Up!
Sadly, it wasn’t as busy as what it could have been and I would estimate there was around 30 people who had turned up. Oh, well it made it a little more intimate and individual.
Just after 7.30pm were were we witnessed the arrival of the butler Lymn, the cook Dilys, Robert the Lord of the Manor and his decrepit Aunt Petunia. It was her birthday and the family were gathering to celebrate it.
Vintage Lovelies
With various props we were privy to several conversations with the cast before Robert drank a cup of tea and died on the floor before us!
Several of the men in the audience were tasked with lifting him up and taking him out back to the cool pantry where he could be stored whilst awaiting the Police.
Along came the Police Inspector who recapped what had happened and also chose four member of the audience to play extra cast members; the gardener, maid, chauffeur and an old friend.
The Inspector Calls
Audience Participation
The old Friend
At that point our starters were served. We had choice of Smoked Salmon Terrine or Waldorf Salad. Both H and I had gone for the Salad. I have to say it was delicious. Fresh and tasty, it came with warm bread rolls and anchor butter. Perfect!
Waldorf Salad
We were then treated to another set from the character, introducing some other players. This included the fiancee of the dead man and Aunt Petunia’s son. Many laughs were had as they really ‘hammed’ it up.
The cast ‘hams’ it up
The detective again got us to join in, and demanded that each table supplied some sound effects. Some were asked to make the noise of a creaking door, a rattle of chains and a lady screaming.
Did he do it? To inherit the cash?
H and I were required to make a large slamming noise, to which we both hit the table with the palm of our hands simultaneously.
Yes, you’ve guessed it. We hit the table with enough for that all our wine glasses (full) fell over along with the bottle, soaking us and the tablecloth through. It made the rest of the audience howl with laughter too!
Our main course was a choice of poussin with lemon and sage stuffing or a mushroom en croute. I had the Poussin, H had the en croute.
Poussin with Lemon Stuffing
It came with new potatoes, carrots and green beans. And it was Delicious!
Yum!!!
Another set from the mixed cast and we were really getting into the spirit of things. 1920’s music was playing inbetween sets and I wanted so much to get up and have a foxtrot!
Our final course was either apple tart or tarte au limon, with cream.
We had both opted for the warm apple tart and it was so good! Sadly I was too eager to eat it and forgot to take a photograph.
The mystery was nearing an end and we had to write down who was the killer, how and why they had done it. We also had to come up with a limerick about the event/characters. We wrote everything down and submitted it.
The Company
So…. given our jobs, how good were we as detectives?
Bloody awful!
We got neither the murdered, motive or method right. Ah well… there was still a prize for best limerick. We could redeem ourselves there!
Dastardly good fun!
Yes. You have got it. We were awful at that too.
What wasn’t awful though was the event.
It was a bit silly, a bit complicated and a bit farcical.
But it was also very brilliant.
Doing it in style
We had a whale of a time and chatted to the cast afterwards. They had really given us an exciting and fun night and it was great value for money.
We were then treated to a bit of a disco before it was time to get our ride home. Baby Bear had come to get us safely home.
Sadly many of the tables had already gotten up and left. Of the few people that were left, five of us got up to Dance.
We hit the floor until I eventually got a message to say our ride was outside and we duly said goodbye to some new friends and returned to our carriage.
Gorgeous Gatsby Style
It was an absolutely cracking night. We loved the whole process of getting ready, from the sourcing of the costumes to getting dressed.
From bubbles on arrival and a jolly good three course meal.
The entertainment was fantastic and we loved the whole night. And it also great to spend the evening in the company of my great friend.
Vamping it Up
They are returning in May for an ‘Only Fools and Hearses’ evening where Boycie gets it. Sounds like another great night to me!
Anyone up for a spot of murder?????
Till next time,
Txx