Do you consider yourself a master sleuth? Do you believe you have what it takes to unmask a killer? A Highly Suspect Murder Mystery: The Death of the Great Detective isn’t a play, but an immersive experience where you are the investigator. Upon entering, you’ll be assigned to a team, given a pack of clues, and tasked with solving a perplexing murder. This interactive whodunnit is a clever twist on the traditional theatre format, and while there’s plenty of good acting to enjoy, the main event is the challenge itself.
The Whodunnit Challenge
The experience kicks off with a dramatic revelation – Sherlock Holmes is not dead – an announcement that sets the stage for the evening’s main event: a puzzle designed by the great detective himself. The acting throughout is of a high standard, with familiar characters like Dr. John Watson, Inspector Lestrade, and Mrs. Hudson all brought to life with impressive energy. Their performances, however, are strategically interspersed with moments of quiet deduction.
The structure of the experience is particularly impressive. The narrative is divided into acts, each followed by a period where teams can work through their clue packs. The timing is perfect—just as you start to make progress or feel a little stuck, the actors reappear to advance the story, offer new information, or pose a challenge. This rhythm keeps the audience engaged, constantly shifting between focused problem-solving and theatrical entertainment. The show culminates in a room-wide vote, where teams present their theories before revealing the killer.
An Immersive and Educational Experience
A Highly Suspect Murder Mystery is an excellent choice for a wide variety of audiences. The show’s creators have crafted an experience that is both educational and highly entertaining. It teaches critical thinking and deduction in a fun, pressure-free environment. This makes it a great option for families with children who are old enough to engage with the puzzle-solving without being too cynical. It’s a fantastic learning experience that builds confidence and encourages teamwork.
For die-hard fans of the Sherlock Holmes canon, be warned: this show takes liberties with the source material. If you’re someone who gets “upset with people mucking around with the canon,” you might want to give it a miss. However, for those looking for something genuinely different from the usual Fringe fare, this is a must-see. Its unique format would also make for a fantastic corporate night out, offering a dynamic and collaborative activity that goes beyond a standard dinner.
Overall
This interactive whodunnit is a standout show at the Fringe. It’s a refreshing change of pace and a testament to clever writing and engaging performance. The experience is meticulously crafted, balancing acting with hands-on puzzle-solving, and it succeeds in making the audience feel like a key part of the investigation. If you’re looking for a show that is different, educational and family-friendly, then you should absolutely put A Highly Suspect Murder Mystery: The Death of the Great Detective on your list.
Review: A Highly Suspect Murder Mystery – The Death of the Great Detective
Summary
A refreshingly unique Fringe show, A Highly Suspect Murder Mystery is an interactive whodunnit that turns audiences into detectives. With excellent acting and clever puzzles, it’s a fantastic, family-friendly experience that’s perfect for anyone looking for something different.
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Thank you for such a lovely, attentive and well crafted review! We’re so delighted you enjoyed the show, and really appreciate the details you’ve picked up on. Hope you have a lovely rest of your Fringe! If you wanted to see an entirely different mystery we have The Betray-tors at 13.40 every day too 🙂
Do the audiences differ much between the two shows? Feels like they could!