Review: A Murder Most Foul
Adelaide Fringe
This interactive murder mystery tests participants’ acting skills and powers of deduction in an interesting game of whodunnit. ★★★
When millionaire Rick Rochester dies, his family and friends (the audience) gather at his stately manor (the elegant dining hall of Ai Fiori Wines) for the much-anticipated reading of his will.
But as the evening progresses, it becomes clear that not everyone can be trusted – and by the end of the night, one audience member will be arrested for murder.
As the show began, each audience member is assigned a character and given a package including a detailed description of that character’s history and personality traits, as well as a list of tasks to complete. Using this information, they must bring their characters to life and maintain this persona as they interact with others and attempt to uncover the killer’s identity.
Initially, I found the idea of adopting a persona daunting, and introverts may struggle to initiate the necessary conversations with other characters. The character profiles are exceptionally detailed, and with so many shady individuals, it is hard to keep track of important information.
The audience is encouraged to move freely around the room, with the hosts (who also assume personas) available to point out individuals and initiate meetings if required. Blackmail and bribery are accepted forms for gathering information, and paper money is provided to assist with investigations.
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As the evening draws to a close, participants are given a chance to examine evidence uncovered by the attending detective and formulate their own theories before the killer is dramatically exposed.
A Murder Most Foul has enough twists and turns to keep serious “detectives” entertained, but it could be an uncomfortable experience for those lacking in confidence or creativity.
Running anywhere from 180-210 minutes, this highly interactive show (which includes a four-course dinner) relies on the audience to create their own fun – your experience on the night will depend on how much energy you are willing to invest in your character.
Three stars
A Murder Most Foul, presented by Ai Fiori and Red Fez Productions, plays at Ai Fiori Wine in King William Street until March 12 and features two different murder-mystery experiences.
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