Murder, She Didn't Write | Duchess Theatre

Murder, She Didn't Write is an improvised murder mystery created by Degrees of Error, creating a unique show that has audiences laughing throughout. Without a script or definitive character, the cast must not only create an entertaining and engaging show, but a murder mystery, with no clue who the victim or the murder is. The show features a cast of six to perform the mayhem that arises from audience suggestions. On this particular performance, the title was Intergalactic Speed Date, featuring a Hadron Collider. Taking up residence in the Duchess Theatre for one night only, Murder, She Didn't Write sets out to be just as side splittingly funny as audiences can expect.

The cast, which is led by Lizzy Skrzypiec who plays the narrator Agatha (and is also the show's director), are only told who the murderer and victim are during the show (through Agatha's trusted sidekick Jerkins, played by a random audience member). The cast, who are most predominantly identified by the colour of their outfits for ease, quickly create memorable characters and form clear relationships with other characters, helping audiences to connect with them. As the cast members scramble to form this solid foundation, whilst throwing in endlessly jokes and puns, Jerkins quite literally decides their fates. 

At this particular show, audiences (and cast alike) were left a little confused, trying their best to not only understand what a Hadron Collider is, but to also create an authentic observatory workplace around this concept. This did lead to the plot feeling weaker compared to other improvised shows, particularly for a murder mystery. However, on the flip side, this did provide an opportunity to create more jokes, as cast members were often put on the spot to create credible scientific explanations. 

The cast are impressively quick witted and are each excellent at improv. The cast continue to throw curve balls at one another with unexpected plot twists. Whilst some of the cast chose to lean into the bizarre situation and great ridiculous new storylines or puns, others chose to lean into physical comedy creating a well balanced mix of them both. The cast, who have worked together for years, can't help but poke fun at one another, creating an infectious energy that has the audience laughing along as well. 

Stephen Clements fairs considerably better in this theme than his other cast members, due to his ability to understand and quote both scientific and philosophical ideals. Clements manages to bring the plot back to the initial prompt often, focusing it more narrowly on the intergalactic romantic relationships, whilst also being hilarious. Peter Baker is disturbingly good at pretending to be a horse alien, also leaning into the more romantic elements of the show. 

Rachel Procter-Lane and Emily Rose are both downright hilarious, bringing in the most random elements that the rest of the cast (and themselves) continue to trip up on. Their scenes of "women entwining" are standout moments of peak physical comedy. Sylvia Bishop's constant unpredictability makes for an entertaining watch, as does her inability to render anything resembling a scientific terminology. Skrzypiec is the perfect host, channelling the audience's excitement and expectations into a marvellous and well-executed play. 

The show, despite the murder mystery genre, ultimately becomes a slapstick comedy, as the cast lean into the chaos of it all. Amusingly, even the tech team (Rob Kershaw, Declan Smith, Matt Gibson and Maddison Pell) add to this increasing state of chaos, but controlling the length of each scene. Often cutting cast members off abruptly or adding in flashing lights for a flashback, the technical elements are just as jovial. Musical director Sara Garrard creates an improvised soundtrack to the entire play; showing her own talent. At this particular show, the music included several sneaky nods to Coldplay after an audience suggestion. 

Justin Williams' set adds enormously to the show, with his well detailed and stunning work. Featuring classic bookcases, window frames, vintage furniture and more, the show set in 1930s feels richer and adds an instant wow factor. Lu Herbert's costumes are brilliant, providing a visual aid for audiences to follow whilst also paying tribute to the time period. Almost resembling characters from the murder mystery board game Cluedo, the costumes place the show in a more familiar territory.  

Murder, She Didn't Write is a guaranteed two hours of fun, with a sense of excitement and thrill lurking after every line of dialogue. A well established company of actors who may not know their plot but excell at knowing their stuff, provide a wonderful night of improv. The show delights in its silliness and illogical plot, and thrives in the madness of it all. Audiences are invited to sit back, relax and find themselves at risk of death by laughter. 

★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Pamela Raith Photography