Wind the clock back to 1923, the roaring Old Fourlegs speakeasy bar is a riot of jazz music, flapper dancers and shady mobsters eyeing out their competition — until host Jay Glitterby discovers a beloved character has been killed! Is it jealousy, greed, revenge?
The East London Museum will be awash with the scent of deceit this Valentine’s Day, with audiences dressed up in 1920s-style fashion to solve the Murder at the Speakeasy, an interactive theatre show for adults.
Developed by the Jen Bryson Moorcroft Theatre Company and directed by Moorcroft, a cast of 11 actors will be jotted around the exhibitions, eager to speak to their story on February 14.
Tickets cost R150 and include a light, themed meal prepared by Cafe Genesis.
Actor Cebo Ndzimela, 33, playing detective Quincy Quirk, has been in five similar mystery shows and said one of his best acting challenges was playing the corpse.
“My favourite moment is when I got to be the dead body, the audience members try to make me laugh by saying ridiculous things,” Ndzimela said.
“The rehearsal process has been very exciting, we go through all the possible scenarios, preparing for anything that could happen on the night of the show.
“Performing like this tests your skills and experience as an actor since the audience is part of the story and gets to ask questions — you don’t know what could be asked so you have to rely on your ability to improvise.”
Moorcroft said this was her first murder mystery for adults only, usually creating fantastical who-done-it adventures for children.
“Geraldine Morcom, the director of the museum, encouraged us to create this murder mystery specifically for an adult audience as we already do many interactive theatre events for children there,” she said.
“We think this is a perfect alternative Valentine’s date night for couples, singles and friends.
“You can solve the crime with your partner or try to compete against each other.
“Audience members can enjoy a light meal and some drinks in the museum gardens [weather dependent] before being ushered into the museum.
“In various spaces inside they can interview characters, collect clues, and try to solve the murder before the ending is revealed.
“Personally, I love murder mystery books and seeing if I can figure out who did it before the detective does.
“We are definitely inspired by the interior and exhibits of the museum and thus chose an appropriate 1920s theme.
“We know the museum setting will add to the feeling of mystery and authenticity.
“I’m definitely looking forward to seeing who is the first person to solve the mystery.
“We hope it is challenging but definitely solvable.”
Claire Macdonald, chair of the Friends of the East London committee, said the event would help raise funds for family activities through the sale of light refreshments.
A portion of ticket sales will also go directly to the museum.
“We are raising funds for a sign for the fossil trees and we want to continue to offer craft days for families at the museum,” Macdonald said.
“The museum wants to develop access for all the communities in East London and the craft days allow parents and children the opportunity to visit the museum and participate in a fun activity.
“We have hosted many family and children-based quests, but were keen to offer something for adults in an evening setting.
“If successful, we would like to host more.”
The owner of Cafe Genesis, Moorcroft’s husband Clynton, 40, said they loved to share their creative outlets together.
“My wife and I are passionate about sharing our creative outlets together.
“Hers is drama and writing, and mine is good food [among other things].
“We said there was no better time to marry those than with a murder mystery evening,” he said.
Guests will have an option of a pulled pork or “Victorian Garden” wrap — inspired by food that was popular — especially in the US and Europe — at the time.
Pork exploded in popularity in about the 1920s, with the US becoming the world’s biggest producer.
The Victorian Garden wrap was inspired by vegetable dishes popularised in Europe in the Victorian era and maintained popularity from the 1920s until today.
- Murder at the Speakeasy will take place from 6-9pm. Dress is 1920s/cocktail attire. Tickets cost R150 and include a light dinner. To book, WhatsApp 074-538-4438. Bookings close February 7.
Daily Dispatch
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