Murder at Merkister Hall – Large group script
It’s the 1930s. The great depression is over, the pound is competing with the dollar on the open exchange and there is a rise in business of all shapes at sizes. Keen to share their good fortune with others, the Balderdashes regularly play host for sumptuous dinner parties at their stately home which involve nothing but the best wines, fine cuisine and traditional after dinner entertainment. This evening was to be no exception. The guests had all arrived as planned and with the food ready to be served in the kitchens the party only lacked one thing, namely the butler Leversham who has been discovered dead, in the Billiard room!
This Game is Rated:
Teen
What is included?
Example pre-printed boxed set
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How it works:
How a large group works
These games require 7-13 cast and involve the rest of the audience by getting them to ask pre-set questions – which are provided to them on paper by the inspector at the start of each round.
They run in a similar way to a dinner party, so are an ideal first choice for novice hosts and acing teams with little or no experience running large scale events.
These games work best as a sit down event with 6-12 tables of guests, with a suspect on each table.
As a rough guide these mysteries take approximately 2-3 hours to complete with a three course meal.
During the game the audience will listen to five short sets of dialogue from the cast and pose pre-scripted questions (which the cast answer with pre-scripted answers). There are three rounds which can be evenly spread throughout the night or, if preferred, the question and answer rounds can be bunched together into one large round.
At the end of the final round the guests are given time to decide who is the murderer, and once the guests have decided who did it, how and why (i.e. the murderer and motive) they will complete the answer sheet and hand it in.
How these games usually run.
Introductory Round: Introductions by the cast and the facilitator “inspector character”.
Rounds 1, 2 and 3: Scripted dialogue from the cast, followed by pre-set questions and answers.
Concluding Statements and solution: conclusions by the cast and denouement from the inspector.
There is one “inspector character” who acts as facilitator during the event and is essential to the cast.
Reducing the cast size will reduce the length of time required to solve the mystery.
How does a “download and print at home” kit work?
Each “download and print at home” kit is provided as a zip file containing a set of PDF files for you to print at home, and a selection of MP3 files to use on the night.
Each dinner party game requires use of a printer and A4 paper (approx. 80 sheets for a 6 player kit – 240 sheets for a 20 player kit), envelopes so you can send out your invitations, and either a laptop or MP3 player (e.g. an ipod) to play the inspector MP3s; OR a CD burner so you can burn the MP3s onto a CD to run in an ordinary CD player.
When you order the game you’ll be sent a link to download the files you need. The file will be a zip file. This can be opened with a zip compatible program on your computer. If you struggle to open zip files – we can email you the game directly over several emails instead – just contact us after purchase to arrange this.
You will download the following files:
- How to use this game
- Instructions for running the murder mystery
- Making the most of your theme- ideas for decoration / activities.
- Invitations
- Character Booklets (available in single sided printer and double sided printer format)
- Scripted for the inspector character (available in single sided printer and double sided printer format)
- Solution script for the inspector character (needed when printing from the single sided copy)
- MP3 files for the inspector character (dialogue and solution)
- Hints and tips
- Recipe suggestions
- Money off voucher towards next purchase
How does a “Pre-printed box set” work?
This is the easiest way to play. Everything you need will arrive in a box, pre-printed, directly to your door.
You will receive through the post:
- Instruction booklet (includes hints and tips)
- Invitations and envelopes for all the guests
- Character booklets
- CD of the inspector
- Inspector script in a sealed envelope so you don’t find out the solution by accident!
- Making the most of your theme and recipe suggestion booklet.
- Money off voucher towards next purchase (printed inside the booklets)
We always ship within 24 hours meaning orders arrive as quickly as possible.
As each game is printed on demand, we can also provide a customisation service on any order. See details further down the page on what we can do to tailor this game to your party.
Characters in the game:
Detective Inspector Napp – The policeman sent to solve the crime
Efficient in his own peculiar way, Detective Inspector Napp has an unusual method of solving crimes – he involves everyone!
Brigadier Balderdash – Lord of the Manor.
Pompous, with very upright military bearing, Brigadier Balderdash is always seen in a well starched collar and his tweed suit.
Lotta Balderdash – Wife of Brigadier Balderdash.
Tastefully clothed and very reserved, Lotta Balderdash is refined and elegant.
Bruce Bugatti – Racing car driver Always in a tearing hurry, Bruce Bugatti is very debonair, but also fairly untidy.
Anna Glipta – Local Artist
Never without her artist’s smock, Anna Glipta often has her sketch pad to hand and paintbrushes in her hair.
Rev. Al Ation – Vicar
With a stiff white dog collar and wearing traditional black, Rev. Al Ation is always on duty for his flock.
Miss Jane Marbles – Maiden aunt and amateur sleuth.
In twin set and pearls, with a tweed suit, there is nothing remotely sinister about this spinster (except that dead bodies seem to turn up in her close proximity!)
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