Mystery, double-crossing and deceit will take over the Beck Theatre this Friday in a unique interactive show. JERRY LYONS puts on his sleuth's hat to speak to Lawrence Brown, a man with a mind for murder
THERE is a little bit of a detective in all of us. Whether you fancy yourself as Sherlock Holmes, Poirot or Miss Marple, cracking a crime case is something that seems to appeal to everyone.
Now, thanks to the Moneypenny Murder Mystery Company, you can get a chance to show off your crime-
busting skills. The company is putting on The Garbunkular Oddity of Mr Trumpington Mews which is a blend of theatre, audience interaction and a four-course meal.
Lawrence Brown, a director of the company and one of the show's performers said: "Quite simply the evening is a series of dramatic scenes accompanied by a nice meal where we show a murder taking
"Then the audience, who are in teams, are asked to work together and find out who 'done' it.
"The detectives are given some written background information then, using the evidence provided through the scenes and by interrogating the actors, it is up to them to piece the full story together."
The evening's entertainment is set in 1888, with the hero Trumpington Mews and his half-witted assistant Burlington battling their elusive nemesis Russell Square.
The back-drop to the drama is a traditional English country house, complete with the omnipresent butler, and all cast are in full period costume.
The audience are encouraged to dress up too - in Victorian garb to match the period or in formal black evening wear.
Lawrence says: "It's great fun to be a part of. The audience are encouraged to get involved but we don't make people get up and try to act, that's our job, the audience are there to try solve the case correctly.
"The cast get interviewed during the evening and I can tell you some people really give us a grilling in their bid to get to the truth.
"We have some people who enjoy the evenings so much they attend many during a year. Luckily we change our themes almost every quarter."
The murder mystery evenings have taken Lawrence across the globe including performing in Holland and around the Bahamas.
"I have been involved with the shows for 17 years and for an actor it's a good source of regular work," he says. "I love the interaction with the audience because as an actor that's a rare thing.
"Some people are very competitive in their quest to find out who the murderer is. Ultimately it is a fun night where people can play at being detective."
The evening is the first murder mystery show at the Beck but Lawrence believes the format will prove to be addictive.
He says: "When people see the show for the first time they realise how enjoyable it is and often come again.
After playing to more than 10,000 theatre diners around Europe, the Moneypenny Murder Mystery Company has come up with another dastardly plot to keep both Trumpington fans and newcomers alike on the edge of their seats.
This case will take you from Baker Street to the Reichenback Falls and on through darkest Africa as you try to find who killed Trumpers.
The usual murders weapons of poison, guns and candlesticks are involved. The big question is who used what to commit the crime?
* The Garbunkular Oddity of Mr Trumpington Mews is at the Beck Theatre on Friday. Tickets including dinner cost £34 and are available from the box office on 020 8561 8371. The show starts at 7.30pm and dinner is served at 8pm.
