How To Run A Skit And Clue Based Murder Mystery Script

Skit and clue based games

Skit and clue murder mysteries are constructed to encourage the guests at the event to mingle between tables. Although a cast is present who act out the mystery, most of the evidence is contained within written clues which are provided to each table.

The game requires 7 cast members, one of whom will act as facilitating inspector.

These games are ideal for novice hosts as they are incredibly simple to run and VERY effective.

Introduction to game format

It is up to the host whether you wish to announce the “game” element of the evening, or whether you simply want the skit and clue murder mystery to be a surprise.

During the night your guests watch 5-6 acted out scenes (rounds), and have two sets of table clues given to them. These rounds are not evenly spread throughout the night.

The table clues given out during the mystery by the cast member acting as the facilitator need to be shared between the tables in order for the mystery to be solved.

All the information the guests require to solve the case is contained within the table clues. No cross examining of the cast members is required, which means the cast only have to learn their lines, which for most, are minimal.

A guest instruction sheet is provided with the first batch of table clues and this sheet provides the guests with information they need to participate in solving the crime. Once the guests have decided who did it, how and why (i.e. the murderer, means and motive) they will complete the answer sheet (also provided in the game materials) and hand it in.

It is up to the host to decide if these answer sheets will be used to give out prizes, and how this will be decided, e.g. first correct solution handed in, or quickest time, etc.

The skit and clue mystery closes when the solution is provided. Expect the skit and clue mystery to take around 2 hours to complete.

Your job as host

As host you need to assemble the game materials for your guests prior to the event and ensure the cast learn their lines (2 rehearsals are usually sufficient, one prior to the night and one on the night).

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.

On the night your job is to make sure everyone is comfortable with what they are being asked to do, and that the event passes off without a hitch. As a general guide the skit and clue event can be run in this way:

Round 1 – before the guests are served with their first course.

Round 2 – after the first course and before clearing the plates.

Round 3 – after the main course and before clearing the plates.

Round 4 – before dessert.

Round 5 – during / after coffee and mints.

A typical evening for the guests runs like this:

7.00pm	Guests arrive at the venue. Have a drink at the bar and admire each other’s costumes and are escorted through for dinner.
7.20pm	The cast deliver the opening script.
7.25pm	First course is served.
7.30pm	The inspector introduces the "game element" and the first clues are handed out while guests are eating.  A short time is alloted for swapping clues before the main course.
7.50pm	The cast deliver their second script and someone else dies!
8.00pm	The main course is served
8.10pm	The inspector will provide more information and the second set of clues.
8.40pm	Dessert is served. During which time the Inspector asks them to get their answer sheeets ready and handed in.
9.0opm	Guests will be served with coffee. The inspector will deliver the solution

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!

We can provide event management services for this style of event. Please get in touch to ask for a free quote.

See our range of Skit and Clue Murder Mystery Games.