A magnificent heritage listed National Trust house is the setting for a performance of an Agatha Christie style murder mystery. As the audience waited for the show to commence it admired the impressive formal gardens and harbour views. The impressive setting and building created an exciting level of anticipation. The torrential rain was a welcome atmospheric addition to the scene.

 Detective Pierre Van Outen (Emily McKendry) introduced himself and, with some assistance from the audience, convinced Mr Dawes (James de Freitas), the butler to allow the detective and his associates (the audience) entry to the mansion. The detective introduced the outline of the case of the murder of the Henrik Bancroft, the family patriarch, and pointed out some initial clues.

We met other members of the household who seemed sceptical about the detective, his associates and his questions. Reluctantly, they answered some questions and took us through various rooms of the house. This allowed the detective and associates to see the location first hand, search for the missing will and gather more clues.

We explored three levels of the house and examined the layout of these classic crime drama rooms: the library, the dining room, the cellar, the garden and the kitchen. The rooms are magnificent and supported and enhanced this innovative theatrical experience.

I suspect the question on everyone’s lips is, “Did the butler do it?” Alternatively, was it Lila (Lorraine Hong), the financial wizard and daughter-in-law, or Henrik’s daughter Isabella (Georgina Saad), or his son James (Reece Skinner) and would the missing will clarify the conundrum?

This is not a malevolent and noir experience. The performances are light hearted and pleasantly mysterious. The writer, Emily McKendry, has created a mystery and toyed with diversionary manoeuvres.

A highlight of the production is showcasing a building of grandeur and history.

MURDER BY INVITATION is recommended for fans of murder mysteries and historic houses. The venue has limited capacity and most sessions are sold out. A few sessions have availability up until 27th October, 2022.

https://darkstories.com.au/theatre/