These mysteries are written so that they can be conducted using several smaller rooms, rather than simply one big one with stage. These rooms require decorating according to the mystery, and there is a list of clues / props which will be required in each room.

The cast are spread between the rooms available. If you are short on rooms some of the cast can double up in a room, one remaining quiet while the other recites their lines, and visa versa.

The cast are all required to learn their parts before the event, or at the very least have read through their background material more than once to familiarise themselves with their background, and be able to read their monologues to the guests (hiding their scripts within a prop of some kind). 5 of them have one monologue to recite, and 2 of them share a dialogue between them.

It is the role of the invited guests to act as detectives and try and solve the mystery and determine the killer. On arrival guests should be greeted and given a copy of the guest handout and an answer sheet provided with the game materials. The guest handout contains instructions for them on how to solve the crime.

After that, the guests simply visit all the rooms listed (sometimes more than once), listen to the cast’s speeches, review the prop clues and then ask the cast questions.

Once a guest thinks they have the solution they fill in the answer sheet and hand this back in, either to a drop box, or to some nominated person.

The mystery closes when the solution is provided by the inspector.

Your job as host

Firstly make sure you have adequate time to prepare for the event, that all cast are happy with their scripts and that anything else you plan to run at the same time as the mystery e.g. refreshments, has been adequately thought through.

These mysteries are time consuming to prepare, and require a dedicated cast and several props as well as copying of a guest handout and answer sheet which should be available to each guest (with pens) on the night.

Before the event you will need to gather, label and set up the prop clues, decorate the rooms, copy enough guest handouts for each attendee, and ensure that the cast have adequately rehearsed.

On the night it is your job as host to make sure all your guests are comfortable with what they are being asked to do, and that the event passes off without a hitch.

Although the guests will have been given their instructions, sometimes these are simply not enough, especially if they are nervous of their role in the mystery. As host it will be your job to make sure they understand what is expected of them.

Don’t forget to look after your cast! Reciting their lines 6 times (minimum) is hard work!

Usually these games work best with allocated time slots for guests to visit the cast, you may want to ensure that your guests are spread evenly between rooms by allocating time slots for the recitations and arranging a circular route around the venue.

Running a large group murder mystery is really not as difficult to do as you might think, and if you get stuck why not email us? We’re here to help after all!

Finally and most importantly: Have fun!