Murder Mystery Whodunnit
Enjoy your very own mystery entertainment in your own venue. Become a major suspect, throw in a red herring or just sit back and enjoy the fun.
A Murder Company "whodunnit" is a great nights entertainment that involves everyone. Let us take care of everything as we provide a host who plays the comic detective to conduct the investigation, nametags, music to suit the theme and prizes.
Best of all, we come to your venue for any number of guests.
Around a meal with drinks, a cocktail party or a simple supper, a Murder Company Whodunit is theatre restaurant at its best.
There are many themes to choose from and everyone gets a part in the fun. You choose which of your guests are to be questioned by the detective and their secrets revealed and which can have a smaller role that spreads around the gossip. The whole room is involved in watching the story develop and trying to guess our secret murderer.
The Murder Company stands out because it creates a show where the audience are the stars. When you come to one of our mystery nights you don't just watch the show, you are part of the show. Our talented team of actors create a fun, comfortable atmosphere where members of the audience are encouraged and applauded to take part in solving the crime without doing the time.
Our parties never die, just some of the guests!
How to Organise your mystery
function
STEP ONE
Contact us to find whether a host is available. We can create a mystery for you in under a week but would prefer at least a month in advance as we do like to send out character descriptions for each person before your mystery.
To book a night contact us on 1800 258 336 or 0419 587 572 or darren@murderco.com.auSTEP TWO
Book a venue and organise your own meal arrangements. It is very important that you have a completely private room arranged so that everyone can see and hear everyone else. The host usually stands in the middle of the room or at one end during the questioning sessions. It is usually best to have the guests seated during these times. For larger groups the host may need to be raised on a small stage as they call their suspects to the front.
Have your mystery around a meal or we can create a mystery over a variety of arrangements including a simple supper, spit roast or a cocktail party. Drinks are no problem. We can create a mystery over lunch or a welcome break during an afternoon conference session. We can tailor the mystery to suit you but usually allow 2 - 3 hours for the mystery to unfold.
If you are having a meal the host and any other actors will need to be included. They will need somewhere to get changed and store their costumes. We will bring a sound system if required and for larger nights can supply lighting and microphones.
STEP THREE
We write your story and pass it to your guests. Select a theme, invite your guests and organise your numbers. Confirm with us the venue, time of start, numbers of males and female attending and any special requirements. We prefer everyone to have a role in the mystery but are very flexible. For larger nights you might like only the key participants to receive a character.
Each guest will recieve a page of notes tailored to suit their level of involvement outlining who they will be playing, what secrets they know, gossip to spread about and how they might like to dress to make the night fun. Don't worry, nothing is taken seriously and our comic detective makes sure that everyone has a great time when it is their time to perform. These sheets are not "scripts" but ideas of what they might like to say and do, however it is really up to them. We do not tell your guests or the organiser who is the murderer or a victim before the night begins so as to keep the surprise going.
We will normally pass to you three types of characters. Major Suspects that have a bit to do on the night, Witnesses that will also be questioned but are not crucial to the story and the remainder that can spread gossip and try to figure out "whodunnit". Warning: on a Mystery "Whodunit" night anything can happen and usually does. Shrinking violets with spectators parts sometimes turn into key suspects as people become totally involved in the night and the wine flows. However we do not put people on the spot if they are not comfortable with this.
It is best if this information is given out before the night and we recommend as soon as you have confirmed the numbers and at least one week before they attend. However we often do corporate functions where they recieve their characters sheets as they arrive and we can hire costume accessories to assist them get into the fun spirit of the night.
Our nights are as adult as you like to make them and are not designed to offend anyone. We can and do create nights for younger people however we recommend 14 years and up.
STEP FOUR
The Mystery Night. The Murder Company takes care of the entertainment arriving at least 30 minutes before the guests to set up and make sure the seating arrangements work. We meet the guests at the door in character and hand them a nametag. We encourage everyone to mingle, spread their gossip and find out about the other characters.
The night is usually divided into three 30-40 minute sets where our detective questions each of the suspects under the watchful eye of everyone else. Improvisation is the name of the game and the suspects could and do say anything to get themselves off the hook.
Appropriate music is played during the breaks while the guests are eating or moving about spreading their gossip.
At the end of the night every person is given the opportunity to ask question then write down who they think done it. Some of these theories are read out and finally we ask, "will tonight's murderer please stand up". (It is always one of your guests). The murderer is revealed to much applause. Simple prizes are given to those people who dress up, guess the murderer and play their character in an outrageous way.
We continue to provide music and allow people to talk through the highlights of the night for approximately 30 minutes. Should you need more music please let us know.
We believe that enjoying the meal and the company of your guests is as important as the mystery. We are very flexible and these times are only suggested however a break between each course for the mystery is highly recommended.
AT NIGHT OVER A THREE COURSE MEAL
| 7pm | Guests arrive |
|---|---|
| 7.30pm | Guests are seated and entree is served |
| 8pm | First part of the mystery |
| 8.30pm | Main meal is served |
| 9pm | Second part of the mystery |
| 9.30pm | Dessert |
| 9.45pm | Wrap up and murderer is revealed |
| 10pm | Close |
AT NIGHT OVER A SUPPER
| 7.30pm | Guests arrive |
|---|---|
| 8.30pm | First part of the mystery |
| 9pm | Break |
| 9.15pm | Second part of the mystery |
| 9.45pm | Break |
| 10pm | Wrap up and murderer is revealed |
| 10.30pm | Close |
These costs are indicative only and prices should be confirmed on booking. We can do very large nights (over 200) and can provide a special quote for this.
The Murder Company does create mysteries all over Australia and the Asia Pacific and is happy to create a complete quote for your special event.
Venue |
Number of Guests |
Ex GST |
Inc GST |
|---|---|---|---|
Within one hour of the CBD |
Under 40 guests |
$600 |
$660 |
Within one hour of the CBD |
Over 40 |
$15 per head |
$16.50 per head |
Within one - two hours from the CBD |
Under 40 guests |
$800 |
$880 |
Within two - three hours from CBD |
Under 40 guests |
$1000 plus accom |
$1100 plus accom |
For family and friends or social functions that cannot claim the GST we will absorb the cost and offer the EX GST price
We can arrange simple costume pieces to be waiting for your guests as they arrive. These hats, feather boas, jackets, glasses and other accessories allow everyone to dress up while still feeling comfortable. Great for corporate functions. Cost is $10 per head.
If you are staying at the venue, we can arrange delivery in each room for $15 per head. (subject to host and venue)
All of our themes can be adapted to suit your numbers from a minimum of 6 people to over 200. They can be adapted to suit any mix of males and females including a hens night.
The Great Capital Caper
Travel to the sleazy underworld of Chicago of the 1930’s to find out who shot Vince "The Knife" Spagatelli. Could it have been something to do with his robbery of the Capital Bank or is the boss, Tyrone "The Shark" Grappa trying to keep control of the mob? Put on an old suit and a bad accent to become a gangster, gangster’s mole or a crooked politician and swing along to one of our most popular scenarios.
Not Staying Alive
Put on the flared pants, platform shoes and the ABBA records for our mystery set in a seventies disco. Manager Art Deco, has been mysteriously murdered and the fun is to "Stay Alive". Featuring characters from the fabulous seventies. (a very popular, fun story that gets everyone up and dancing.)
The Will To Kill
Millionaire businessman, Sir Terence Laker, dies after announcing his engagement and cutting his family out of the new will. A very English scenario of feuding families, a disgruntled butler, jealousy and revenge. A classic "Agatha Christie" type whodunit for those who enjoy their mystery with a twist. (Can also be easily adapted during the festive season for a "Death Before Christmas")
Rendezvous with Death
You are invited to witness an amazing discovery developed by the German scientist Dr Gehener many years ago in South America. Join a bikie gang, movie stars, millionaires and an assortment of wild characters for this once in a lifetime event. A fun and very popular scenario. (Can be easily adapted to "Dancing with the Dragon" to solve a modern day mobile phone mystery!)
Dressed to Kill
Leading fashion designer "JR Brewing" has been murdered at the release of the "New Black" collection sending the catwalks into a frenzy. Perhaps he finally pushed somebody too far? A comic mystery of big shoulder pads, big hair and big characters set in the outrageous eighties. Featuring a fashion parade, plenty of eighties music and a Teenage Ninja Turtle, find out who killed "JR".
The Haunted and the Hunted
Welcome to a séance for millionaire Hyram Fingerfield who returns from the dead for one last chilling pronouncement. A comic mystery of Satanists, vampires, witches and horror characters that will help exorcise some demons.
Santa Sleighing
The elves are angry and Rudolph’s nose is unusually bright. Why is Frosty the Snowman driving a BMW and could it have something to do with a deal with millionaire retailer Kay Mart to have Christmas every month? Find out the real secrets behind this Christmas cheer and discover who is killing the true spirit of Christmas. Perfect for Christmas Parties.
A Night at the Opera
Singer Vincent Domingo goes missing on the opening night of the fabulous "Melancholy Dowager" and when other cast members start dying its time to discover who wants to bring down the final curtain. Enjoy a glittering night at the theatre where the audience becomes suspects in a case of mysterious murder. It isn't over until the fat lady sings! A widely theatrical evening. Highly recommended. (Can be easily adapted to a "Night at the Moulin Rouge")
Wild, Wild, West
Yeehar, the drinks are flowing at the Golden Age Saloon when Sheriff Frank McFloogle announces that the gold has been stolen by the Ugly Face Gang. Grab your hat and put on your spurs as there are some varmints out there that need to be tickled with your shooting irons. A wild case in the even wilder west.
A Knight to Remember
Travel in time to the court of King Arthur, where Knights of the Round Table meet Robin Hood and his Merry Men. Where is the Holy Grail and who will be the next King of Camelot? A medieval mystery that includes everyone including a fun interactive tournament to choose the next King.
Carnage in Carnaby Street
Guru Krishna Bardwan spreads his message of peace, love and universal understanding to the cosmic love children of the Age of Aquarius but the Guru has enemies who would rather not give peace a chance. Join Hippies and conservatives in this easy dressing up scenario.
Greased
The "Rebels" and the "Stingrays" are at war following the death of the leader of the Stingrays, Bernie "The Shark" Scutgen at the "Just Rock Inn". Put on your bobby socks and slick down your hair for a "Rock and Roll" night with a difference.
Space to Kill
A comical mystery set in 2222AD. Captain James T. Burke of the Starship Enterprise lies dead in his stateroom and a mysterious Quark virus threatens to destroy the Universe. From Flash Gordon to Thunderbirds, a mystery featuring all your favourite science fiction characters. May the Force be with you.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Pirate Captain William Kidd is meeting the dashing British Naval commander, Jack Aubrey to discuss the terms of his surrender when somebody breaks the ancient Pirate code of the sea. A swashbuckling mystery of Pirates and the sea.
The Crusader Affair
It is 1938 and the threat of War is hanging over Europe as the gallant British Air Corps launches the plans for its new Crusader Class Airship. A "bally all" boys own adventure of German spies, scuttled ships and jolly scrapes.
Murder on The High Seas
Travel to the seedy underworld of Jack the Ripper’s England and a melodramatic mystery of pirates and Blackbeards lost treasure map.
There’s No Business Like the Death Business
It is the 1950’s Academy Awards presentation with the Marx Brothers, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Prestley, Groucho Marx, Mae West, Vivien Leigh and more. When a new process is announced to add sound and colour to silent movies the studios are happy as they can replace expensive modern stars with old fashion films. Somebody does not want this new process to go ahead and the stage is set for action. A glamorous evening for those that remember the Golden Age of the movies!!
That Sinking Feeling
Titanic - The Mystery
If you like your mysteries served "on the rocks", here is a new mystery set on the last night of the Superliner "Titanic". The "Heart of the ocean" diamond has been stolen and the illusive international diamond thief, the "Scarlett Pimpernel" is rumoured to be smuggled amongst the glamorous First Class or seedy third class passengers. When a body is discovered it is time to call in Inspector Sherman Jones to solve the crime.
Toga Parting
Julius Caesar has been stabbed and you are invited to discover who wants "Big Julie" dead. Put on that old sheet and join in a toga party with a difference. Where Gladiators meet Life of Brian!
Spring Racing Scandal
Set just before the second world war as we gather for the opening of the Spring Racing Carnival. Join with jockeys, owners, a future King of England and the odd horse to enjoy the fashions and the thrill of the race. The odds are that death is in the air!
Or we can write a special theme for you (at an additional cost)