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If your theatre group is looking for an inexpensive way to raise extra funds, holding a murder mystery evening can be an excellent idea. Here’s why.

1. A murder mystery evening can be put on very cheaply using blacks as backdrop (rather than going to the time and expense of creating a set) and many of the available plays are written to keep costume and props costs down. In essence, they can be excellent fundraisers to hold without incurring a massive outlay of costs or resources.

2. Group members left over from the main productions can be involved in murder mystery evenings. That way the group won\’t run the risk of losing them.

3. It\’s something different, which can be appealing in itself.

4. It can also be used as a way to stay in touch with your audience in between major productions.

5. It could provide an opportunity for group members to direct, produce, help with sound and lighting, who don\’t normally get the chance.

6. It can provide a way to interact with your local community in the form of sponsorship or perhaps bar licence and supplies.

7. A successful murder mystery evening can become a regular, eagerly anticipated event in the am dram diary.

8. The evening can be themed around Hallowe\’en, Christmas, a ladies\’ night or something else that would interest your audience or utilise your supply of props and costumes.

9. Extra money can also be made from organising a licensed bar, in addition to the cost of tickets, or a raffle. Refreshments can also raise additional funds.

10. Many of the companies who supply these plays are willing to create custom-written scripts to match your group’s resources.

11. There is a wide range of plays available from companies like the aptly named Murder Mystery Plays (www.murdermysteryplays.co.uk), Murdering The Text (www.murderingthetext.co.uk) and Murder Plays (www.murderplays.com).