A Cluedunnit cast.
Camera IconA Cluedunnit cast. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

British theatre group Cluedunnit bring murder mystery dinners to Mindarie

Staff WriterNorth Coast Times

MINDARIE audiences have a chance to be part of an Agatha Christie-style murder mystery for the first time next month.

UK theatre company Cluedunnit will launch a series of three-hour dinner shows at The Pavilion on March 30.

Led by award-winning British artistic director Robbie Burns, Cluedunnit is one of the most established and acclaimed murder mystery theatre companies in the UK.

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A Cluedunnit sleuth.
Camera IconA Cluedunnit sleuth. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

The visit to Mindarie comes after 25 sold out nights in Perth and another for the Fringe World festival.

Audiences can expect a mix of mystery, mayhem and laughter in a classic ‘whodunnit’ experience led by six actors, served with a three-course set menu by The Pavilion’s chefs.

“We conducted extensive auditions here in Perth and have assembled a strong company of exceptional local actors,” Burns said.

A Cluedunnit murder scene.
Camera IconA Cluedunnit murder scene. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

The scene for each murder is set by a lead actor and storyteller or detective and the cast portray suspects in the evening’s plot.

Audience members do not become characters in the story, but are the detectives who try to solve the mystery based on clues and hints from the actors.

The first vital clues are revealed by the actor ‘suspects’ over pre-dinner drinks, as they mingle with guests on arrival. They then join in for dinner, circulating during the night to give audience members the chance to glean vital evidence to solve the mystery of ‘whodunnit?’.

A Cluedunnit murder scene.
Camera IconA Cluedunnit murder scene. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

“The action and clues flow thick and fast, and the performance is continuous,” Burns said.

“There is always frenetic competition among the audience as they attempt to reveal the true murderer.

“Our plots are usually set in the 1930s and we encourage guests to come dressed for the period and storyline – it’s not compulsory of course, but really adds to the experience.”

Burns created Cluedunnit in collaboration with author and actor Chris Mills in West England more than 35 years ago, and it has gained fame for its amusing and devious plots.

The company is the resident performance group on Burgh Island, where Agatha Christie wrote her famous novel, And then there were none, adding an air of authenticity to the mystery.

The first event at the Mindarie venue will be ‘The Pokeingham Murders’ on March 30, with more shows to be announced.

Tickets cost $100 for a three-course dinner and show package. Group table reservations are available.

Visit www.trybooking.com/BAHRN or call 9400 1186.