Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Murder Mystery Evening?

Your selected Murder Mystery Evening will consist of an investigation of a murder which has happened or is about to happen during the game; depending on the game selected.

What do you provide?

For your murder mystery we include;

• The game plan
• Individual Characters posted to you - for all of your guests.
• Invitations (if requested included in character packs)
• The plot and how the game works included in the character pack for your guests
• Clue-Packs for each guest organised and issued on night
• Name Tags
• Fake Money
• Props
• List of friends attending and their appointed characters for your reference
• Certificates for if you can apprehend the culprit, best dressed, best acting and most money.

Cost

Each person participating is £15. Children under 10 free - (only in the game Last Will and Testament)

How many people can I bring to my event?

We can arrange a private murder mystery evening for any group of 12 to 60 people.

NOTE: All games must have a minimum of 12 people playing or the plot will not work. Fairy Tale Princess Murder and Murder at the High School Reunion must have 14 minimum people to ensure the plot works - no less on the day of the event

Do you need a stage?

Due to the interactive nature of our events, your guests are your characters and your audience rolled into one as they are participating in the event. You require very little extra room and we are use to working in your home, hotels, workplace, Air B&B's, conference rooms, & even village halls. To keep your costs down – hire a small hall, Air B&B, meeting room or even hold the event in your own house.
NOTE : Our speciality is in your own home/workplace - so no extra cost of hiring a venue.

How many rooms do we need to hold the event

Private homes, Hotels, boats, workplace, Air B&B  etc - You will require a room that you are holding the event in and another room about the size of a standard living room to set up the murder scene for about 10 minutes. 

Important - The game CANNOT be held in a Restaurant/Cafe or during a meal. This is because the restaurant/cafe is catering for other families and it can disrupt their meal. In addition - they usually do not have an extra room to set up the murder scene for 10 mins.

Pubs - some can accommodate this. Consult the venue before booking them to ensure that they have a private room and a 2nd small private room (for murder scene) so it will not disrupt or interfere with other residents.

Do my guests get given characters?

All the characters are played by your guests. There are NO actors hired in to play the plot of the game. Instead - each person you invite will get a unique character to play i.e. Mayor, Model, Celebrity, Banker, Golfer, Tailor, Hairdresser, Diva, Jewel Thief, Butcher, Mechanic, Engineer, Gardener, Baroness, etc ( depending on what game is chosen) with objectives to do throughout the night with the other guests. One of your guests will be the murdered victim - if the murder occurs in the middle of the game however, they can still play in the game after the murder as they become a ghost of their character. We do not take anyone - especially the victim - out of game play whatsoever. We believe in fun for everyone and that is why the victim doesn't know they are the victim and the murderer doesn't know they are the murderer - until they arrive and open their Clue-pack on the night.

Do my guests have to dress up?

This is at your discretion but it is advised and most of the outfits can be found in your wardrobe or local fancy dress store. We do not supply the fancy dress costumes. Some plots require dressing up and others can optionally have a dress code or theme e.g. 1960s. It is advised to dress up as it gives the game a good atmosphere. Let us know what you want and we'll advise you which plots are most appropriate for dressing up.

How do I play?

It is not a sit down game around a table. It is very interactive and you will have to look for people and question them around the room.

Playing is a little like starring in your own movie - although how your movie ends depends on you and the other guests. There is no pre-determined script - how you decide to tackle your goals is entirely up to you. The most important skill is the ability to hold a conversation. You will need to talk or eavesdrop to the other players to find out who they are and whether they will help or oppose you. Some of the characters you may know a little about already, but some will be unknown to you. Information is the key to achieving your objectives so you should aim to talk to everyone. Of course, you may need to reveal information known only to you in order to get information from another player. You will also have an ability that gives you an advantage against other characters in certain situations. The other players also have abilities that they may use against you! This information will be in your Clue-pack on arrival.

Disabilities

We wish everyone an enjoyable experience therefore please consider the following options for disabilities;

Reading skills are required for the game play - so please ensure that children/adults have reading skills or have a carer who may help them in the game. 

Personnel with walking disabilities can participate as they may sit for the event and people will usually seek them out in their investigation.

Braille is not yet included in the scripts however if you have a carer to help - again this can be achieved to carry out the game.

Locations/Travel

MM(NI) is based in Northern Ireland. Game may be held in South of Ireland however a fuel surcharge and accommodation must be provided for the game manager i.e. respectable hotel).

Games cannot be held in the city of Londonderry from April 2025. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Is the game supervised

Yes - there will be someone from MMNI for the whole duration of the game to ensure that the clues, murder scene, evidence, solution etc is provided and the game runs smoothly. 

Is there a prize?

Certificates are issued to the best actor, apprehending the culprit, your wealth and best dressed. There is also a surprise certificate for the murderer if they are not apprehended by the rest of the group, but you may like to provide a prize such as; murder mystery crime book or a box of chocolates to go along with these certificates.

Is there only one murderer?

Yes. The plot is complicated enough without having to cope with conspiracies.

What are the usual timings for an event?

Our usual format for an evening would be over the time period of 2 to 3 hours.

What plots do you have?

Check the Games page for a brief description of games available. There should be a theme to suit and we will be happy to give you further information of each theme or advise you on which plots might be most suitable for your event.

Can you put the game in the post for me?

The purpose of this site is to be automated. The characters are posted with instructions once date is secured by MM and deposit has been paid.

We solely write a brief on the game and then it is up to you if you would like us to run the game for you. We take the stress from you by organising and running the whole game from the invitations until saying "murder solved". If you are interested in a certain game please do not hesitate in contacting us so we can explain the game more in detail as it is only a brief introduction to it on the website.

What is the average age of guests at one of your events?

We have had guests from 15 years old to 90 + years of age. There is no limit to age when there is a murder to solve. Due to the intensity of some of the crime solving the above mentioned age group is more suited to some of the murder mysteries on offer. Children can participate but we need to be informed to give them a small part (10 years under - free of charge and max of 3)

Do you provide a buffet - food?

No. If you're a host - with chef abilities, you might like to prepare your own food or contact the venue (hotel) you plan to hold the event in and they may cater for your needs for a small fee. Also if you don't like to cook - call in some "take out food" to be delivered, at a specific interval in the game. Just inform us when you plan to have a quick bite to eat and we suspend the game in the middle and then continue afterwards.

My friend and I would like to participate in a game. Where can we join in on a game?

All games are booked by private parties. If you would like your own game - gather minimum 12 people or more and hold your own event.  Keep an eye on News/Venue page. This will be updated  on any venues running a game in Northern Ireland.

Do you book accommodation i.e. hotel and a meal ?

No - we do not provide a package for accommodation and meals. We would suggest an alternative (to keep costs down) is rent an Air B&B and divide it amongst all your friends - which is now very popular with hens nights, birthday parties, gatherings of family etc.

Are you permitted to drink alcohol?

This is up to you and the venue which you choose for the game. Local pubs and hotels have a license to provide alcohol.