How to plan a murder mystery party
If you love a good detective story - whether it’s in the form of a novel, a TV series or a West End show in London - why not host a murder mystery of your own? Dive into a world of intrigue and treachery complete with good company, delicious food and imaginative costumes. Here’s how to plan for your very own murder mystery party.
1. Choose your mystery
There are plenty of ready made murder mystery games available, so simply choose a theme that interests you and a game that fits your group’s size. If you’re feeling extra creative you can even write your own by following instructions online.
2. Send invitations
Select a date and time for the party. You’ll need two to three hours of play time to allow the story to unfold through the evening. Be sure to send invitations to your friends well in advance, as murder mysteries require preparation for your guests.
3. Assign characters
Once your guests have RSVP’d, you can assign each of them a character. Ready made games come with character descriptions, which include some background information and costume tips. There may be certain things each character needs to keep secret so try not to discuss your roles before the big night.
4. Plan your menu
Are you going to host your party over a sit-down dinner or have a buffet? Dinner is a great option for smaller groups of six to eight, while a buffet works best for a larger group as it enables the guests to mingle. Make sure you cater to any dietary requirements that your friends may have.
5. Set the scene
Your murder mystery game will tell you where the action is set. Create the mood by turning your home or venue into a tropical paradise, a 1920s club or a Roman villa. You can even make a playlist of songs and sounds to enhance the atmosphere.
6. Get started
Once your guests have arrived, briefly explain how the game will progress and what everyone should expect. Your chosen game will have some instructions to follow. Try to stay in character throughout the night, press each other with questions and discuss clues together.
7. Share theories
A set of clues will be revealed throughout the evening - your game instructions will tell you when to do this. At intervals - perhaps after the first two clues and before the mystery is solved for example - be sure to gather together and share theories.
8. Stage the big reveal
Once all the clues are discussed and everyone has shared their guess about who the murderer is, it’s time to reveal the villain. You can do this with as much drama as you like to make a memorable end to the party. Don’t forget to take some photos!
Catch a murder mystery in London
This season, one of the most entertaining murder mystery theatre shows in London is back. A Sherlock Carol blends two of literature’s finest works - the Sherlock Holmes mysteries and A Christmas Carol - to create a compelling festive drama. Playing at the Marylebone Theatre, it’s a must-see for all detective fiction fans and you can book today with KX Tickets. We also have a range of London musical tickets available.
