Murdering The Text

Snowed Under

2011-12-30T02:58:00.000-08:00

We actually don't have snow here but we are incredibly busy.The process of settling into a new house has meant that while we're back online, normal service is not fully restored at Murdering The Text.

For the time being, we can still only offer emailed copies until our office is properly set up. We also can't change the address on our website at the moment so if you would like to send us a cheque in the post, please contact us at fiona@murderingthetext.co.uk for our new address.

Development of our new website is on hold, probably until the spring and we've been unable to send out the last couple of newsletters too.

Thank you for your patience and all the best for a wonderful new year.

Festive Wishes from Murdering the Text

2011-12-24T14:07:00.000-08:00

Christmas is almost here.

All the best for a wonderful day and a prosperous new year.

We are moving!

2011-12-09T10:13:00.000-08:00

In the run up to Christmas, Murdering The Text will be virtually offline (except for occasional visits to McDonalds to use their free wifi internet connection) while we move house.If you'd like to purchase a script in December, we can only provide emailed copies until the new year when our office will be fully unpacked. Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T00:10:00.000-07:00

Have a spooky one.

The Heath Players

2011-10-10T03:02:00.000-07:00

We have a new entry on our list of amateur dramatic groups available for hire. The wonderful Heath Players cover the West Kent area but would consider East Kent and East Sussex. You can contact them through their chairman, Vanessa Johnson on vanessa_johnson61@hotmail.com or their secretary, Peter Coombs on coombspeter@hotmail.com. Have a look at their website to get a taste for their shows.

Our 'Crowning Glory' is complete

2011-10-07T03:06:00.000-07:00

Our latest script 'Crowning Glory' is now finished. It's taken us the summer (plus a few weeks in autumn) and a whole array of historical research (rationing, the financial state of the UK in the 1950s, tea trolleys) to complete this historical script but the end result is a mystery play (no murder in this one) which will hopefully be as much fun to perform as it has been to pen.

Based in 1953 around the coronation celebrations, 'Crowning Glory' sees the local coronation carnival steering committee join with Lord and Lady Smythe-Jones to produce a day that nobody will forget.

Written for the Purley Players, this play is an ideal production for any group who have a whole host of vintage props and costumes to hand.

We'll let you have details of the Purley Players production nearer the time.

Happy Birthday Agatha

2011-09-15T05:06:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

Our wonderful lady of murder, mystery and mayhem would have been 121 years old today. Born in 1890 in Torquay, England, she was a prolific writer (66 novels plus numerous short story collections and plays).

I wonder what she would have thought if she had lived to see how popular her fiction became and still is.

Happy Birthday, Agatha - thank you for the inspiration.

Working with you

2011-08-05T04:44:00.000-07:00

I've previously told you about our custom written scripts. This is a service whereby we can write a murder mystery event script or full length script to suit your group's needs and resources. We can take into account your cast, your stage and your theme, among other considerations.

One thing we haven't mentioned in the past, is that we can also work to flesh out your own storyline. Here are ways in which we can incorporate your ideas into a script:

If you have chosen a particular period (e.g. 1960s) or a historical event (e.g. coronation day) for your play to be themed around, we will do the necessary research to not only write a play for you but we will also be happy to share our research with you for your own needs.
You have an idea for a storyline but are not quite sure how to write it down. We're happy to use your storyline as a basis for your play.
You've thought up a wonderful set of characters, maybe based around your available cast, but are not sure how they could be put to work. Send them over to us and we'll write a play around them.

All of our custom written plays are created in discussion with you, the client. If your cast changes over the course of writing, we'll change our character list. If your play is relocated, we'll re-write to suit your new stage. After all, this is as much your play as it is ours.

Strangemoo is getting all theatrical

2011-07-17T03:55:00.000-07:00

Want to tell the world who you are? Then look no further than the Strangemoo online store who now stock a range of theatrical t-shirts and gifts.

Maybe you're the 'Star' of the show, or the 'Director' or part of the 'Backstage Crew'. Strangemoo stock t-shirts, hats and more.

And don't forget that they also stock 'Waxworks of Horror' merchandise too.

Visit them now to see if there's a hat (or top) that fits.

Backstage Crew Hat by Strangemoo
See more Backstage Hats

Dame Mug by Strangemoo
Design stainless travel mugs online at zazzle

Director and Masks Mens T-shirt by Strangemoo
Browse other Director T-Shirts

Leading Man by Strangemoo
Use Zazzle's online button maker

Leading Lady by Strangemoo
Create a Travel mug on zazzle

Principal Boy Ladies T-shirt by Strangemoo
Use Zazzle's t shirt designer

Principal Girl Ladies T-shirt by Strangemoo
Make custom tee shirts at zazzle.co.uk

Producer Black Men's T-shirt by Strangemoo
Browse other t-shirt designs made on zazzle.co.uk

Summer Newsletter

2011-07-02T07:16:00.000-07:00

At last it's here! The delayed summer newsletter is now online.

Have a look.

Seaton Drama Group presents

2011-06-21T03:26:00.000-07:00

Off The Rails

Rachel Rails throws many a cog in the works as she takes over as the new controller of Ardington Railway Station. As if that isn't enough upset for one day, Duchy the cleaner is for the chop and there's a mysterious passenger hanging around with the head of security.

Date: Thursday, 1st September 2011 starting at 7.30 pm.

Venue: Town Hall, Fore Street, Seaton, Devon.

Tickets cost £2.00 and can be purchased at the Town Hall Box Office (01297 625699) or on the door.

This performance is part of the 100th Seaton Carnival.

Pricing Change

2011-06-21T02:39:00.000-07:00

Summers aren't like they used to be, policeman get younger and it costs more to send a letter every year but the news isn't all bad.

The good news is that the cost of an emailed copy of our scripts and our royalty fees remain the same. The less good news is that due to the increase in the price of first class postage, we will now be charging £8.50 to post your murder mystery pack should you choose this delivery option.

Murder Mystery pack
Emailed copy (in .pdf format) costs £65.00
Posted copy (first class mail) costs £65.00 + £8.50 = £73.50

Full Length Play script pack
Emailed copy (in .pdf format) costs £85.00
Posted copy (first class mail) costs £85.00 + £8.50 = £93.50

All other costs (repeat royalty fees, additional murderers and writing fees) remain the same.

For full details, visit our pricing, payment and delivery page.

Sorry

2011-06-19T08:18:00.000-07:00

Normally by this time (well, actually about two weeks ago) I would have announced that the summer newsletter was out. However I'm still writing a new murder mystery and would like to use the newsletter to tell you all about the finished item. The summer newsletter will therefore be with you at the beginning of July.

I've also been commissioned to write a 1950s crime mystery for a production next year. Fingers crossed I'll have news of that play for you in the autumn newsletter.

In the meantime, have a wonderful weekend and enjoy this clip of Inspector Clouseau at his best.

Does Your Dog Bite?

The Heath Players present

2011-05-16T08:39:00.000-07:00

On Her Way Out

There's nothing quite like a nice bracing weekend at an outward bound centre to bring the team together - or is there?

A murder mystery evening performed by the Youth Section of the Heath Players, with backstage, front of house and catering support in the hands of the 'Old Stagers'.

Performance starts at 8.00 pm on 16th July 2011.

Venue: East Malling Institute, Mill Street, East Malling, West Malling, Kent, ME19 6DB.

Tickets cost £12.00 for entrance and a three course supper, and can be purchased through ringing Peter Coombs on 01622 717491.

Visit the groups website at www.theheathplayers.com

Setting the scene

2011-05-11T02:27:00.000-07:00

An integral part of any theatre performance - and an often forgotten member of the cast - is your stage setting. It adds depth to the magic of any show, whether your stage is set back behind a proscenium arch, thrusting out into your audience or in an outdoor setting. Amateur groups in particular have the added challenge of balancing cost with effect, creating a fitting backdrop for their performances without emptying the coffers. Flats (stand alone pieces of set) are demolished, reshaped and repainted; scenery panels are similarly refurbished and props are put to further use. I have been lucky enough to meet some marvellous teams of set designers and builders, individuals who put their hearts into researching their sets, weighing up the costs and resources to hand, and using their construction talents to create fine, polished end results. There is a downside to such enthusiasm however.

Many years ago, I attended a performance of one of our murder mysteries, 'The Crossed Swords'. The play is set in the 1960s, in a Yorkshire countryside tavern. As with all of our plays, we wrote 'Crossed Swords' to include the barest of props, the only exception being the need for a bar and a chair with a broken base. Other than that, nothing would be difficult to come by. The majority of the furniture and props would most likely be part of any group's existing stock. Suitcases could be supplied by cast members as could clothes.

This particular group were known to be quite wealthy, with a large membership, and also quite traditional in their performances. There's nothing wrong with any of these qualities but they no doubt coloured the group's approach to producing our play. Rather than realising the opportunity to create a low cost and thus profitable event, they treated the play like they would any other, spending as much on it as they would for a normal production. The result was an outstanding, authentic stage set that would have suited a professional, city theatre. A lot of time and energy had obviously gone into its construction and the choosing of props and costumes. It all looked marvelous.

We had a wonderful evening. Every seat was filled (in fact they had to turn some people away who arrived without tickets). The buffet was first class and there was plenty of wine to be had (plus soft drinks for the drivers of course). The compere did an excellent job, welcoming the audience and rousing them into questioning the suspects. All in all, everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

A couple of weeks later, I spoke to the director of the show who told me how much they had enjoyed performing the play and that the village was still talking about it all. Unfortunately, after tallying up takings against expenses, they found out that the group had not made the profit they had hoped for. They had, in fact, made a loss.

Our plays are written to be low cost events that help you raise sufficient funds to stage the plays you 'want' to perform. Keep your expensive sets and costume hire for your major productions and dust off the black curtains for murder mystery nights.

The Quaintwood Players present

2011-04-20T05:44:00.000-07:00

Off The Rails

Rachel Rails throws many a cog in the works as she takes over as the new controller of Quainton Road Railway Station. As if that isn't enough upset for one day, Duchy the cleaner is for the chop and there's a mysterious passenger hanging around with the head of security.

Saturday, 14th May 2011.
Doors open at 7.00 pm for a 7.30 pm start. 10.00 pm finish.
Venue: Waddesdon School Hall, Waddesdon C of E School, Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0LQ.
Tickets: £7 each including a ploughmans supper. There will also be a bar and raffle. Please book in advance.
Box Office: Email wsa@waddesdonschool.com or telephone Helen, Waddesdon School Association on 01296 670223.

Cheques to Finance Office marked 'WSA Murder Mystery', made payable to Waddesdon CE School Fund. Tickets £6 each when buying 4 or more. Tickets will be collected on the door.

Happy Mother's Day

2011-04-03T06:48:00.000-07:00

We'd just like to say to all the mums, have the best of days. Put your feet up and allow yourself to be spoiled. You deserve it.

Waxworks of Horror

2011-04-01T02:19:00.000-07:00

Last month, I told you about a new range of merchandise called 'Dead on my Feet' that you can buy through Strangemoo.

I'm now happy to inform you that the range has been extended to include several of our cartoon strips on t-shirts, posters and mugs, to name but a few of the many items available. You can find them all under the category 'Waxworks of Horror' in the Strangemoo online shop.

WOH Playing with his food by Strangemoo
See more Waxworks Mugs

WOH "Dead on his feet" by Strangemoo
Buy a cheap mousepad at zazzle.co.uk

WOH Sweet Dreams Poster by Strangemoo
Browse Waxworks Posters

Spreading the Magic

2011-03-22T05:36:00.000-07:00

Like many people, my first experience of theatre was when I went to see a pantomime. I was about three years old. I can still remember the Dame saying that she wanted to share her diamonds with the audience and then proceeding to chuck cans of Double Diamond beer to the front rows. I'm sure Health and Safety would come down hard on that kind of thing nowadays but at the time it was one of the many elements of the show that created a bridge between the actors and the audience.

I've always thought it strange that a theatrical performance should stop at the edge of the stage. Whatever the show format (drama play, comedy, musical, revue), there are always ways to extend the production from the stage into the rest of the auditorium and ultimately enrich the audience's experience.

1. Introductory and Interval Music

This is a chance to get your audience in the right mood for the tone of your production. If you will be performing musical numbers, then treat them to snippets of those songs. If your play has a particular setting - circus, railway, zoo - then play music that is linked to that setting. Music of the period can get your audience ready for a play set in the 1960s or 1920s for instance. Play music of the correct mood. In our play On Her Way Out, a comical murder mystery set at an outward bound centre, our characters run on and begin exercising to the rousing tones of 'Something for the Weekend' by Divine Comedy. Use your introductory music to warm up your audience.

2. The Auditorium

Can you extend your stage set into the auditorium and visually pull your audience into the setting of the play? A production about a street party could see bunting extend from the stage into the auditorium. The decorations from a wedding - flowers, balloons, etc - could be used on the end of audience seating rows. Equally, other themes - Hallowe'en, railway, Christmas - can be used to decorate the auditorium too.

3. Front of House Staff

Why should the actors have all the fun? Your front of house staff - bar, food servers, compere, ticket takers - can add an extra element to the magic by dressing up to suit your production. They could be wedding guests at a production set at a wedding. At a Hallowe'en production, a staff of witches, ghouls and werewolves would be fitting. Have them act out their roles too. It all adds to the fun.

4. Food, Bar and Merchandise

In our play A Show To Die For, one of the characters alludes to the confectionery, Sherbet Dip, so at the first production, we had a box of Sherbet Dips for sale on our bar. At another production, we made up cocktails with the characters' names. Even your raffle, if you hold one, can include items that link into your production. Have fun matching the food, drinks and merchandise to your show.

Spreading the magic in this way and creating that all important bridge between your actors and your audience will not only enrich the experience of the night but ultimately bring your audience back for your next production.

Dead on my feet

2011-03-03T08:49:00.000-08:00

Stalking Stephen from our Waxworks of Horror comic strip now has his own range of t-shirts and a mug called 'Dead on my feet'.

You can find them in the Humour Section of the Strangemoo shop which sells fun t-shirts and gifts for all the family.

Spring Newsletter

2011-03-02T08:59:00.000-08:00

If you're on our mailing list then you will have found your spring Murdering The Text newsletter in your email inbox this morning. If you're not on our mailing list, then you can still read the newsletter on our website.

This issue includes:

Pantoland's Got Talent Production Photos
Plays for Spring
Dressing It Up
Spring Production Calendar.

Happy St David's Day

2011-03-01T03:01:00.000-08:00

St George's Players and KO's present

2011-02-16T14:02:00.000-08:00

The Tangled Web

Set in the 1950s, a collection of questionable characters gather in a country hotel, all of them known to our murder victim, Private Detective Dick Sly.

Saturday, 5th March 2011 starting at 7.30 pm.

St George's Church Hall, Elstan Way, Shirley, Croydon, CR0 7PR.

Tickets cost £12.00 and include a Tom Ho (owner and Chief of Keylonge Restaurant) eat all you want Malaysian/Singaporean buffet. There is also a licensed bar.

Box Office: contact Mr B Morgan on 07905 081 580.

Dringhouses Dramatic Society presents

2011-02-12T02:39:00.000-08:00

Off The Rails

Rachel Rails throws many a cog in the works as she takes over as the new controller of Ardington Railway Station. As if that isn't enough upset for one day, Duchy the cleaner is for the chop and there's a mysterious passenger hanging around with the head of security.

Saturday, 12th March 2011, starting at 7.00 pm.

St Olave's School, Clifton, York, YO30 6AB.

Tickets: £10 for entry and a two course supper.

Box Office: St Olave's Parents Association, tel. 01904 527416. Enquiries at st-olaves.york.sch.uk

Twittering On

2011-01-31T01:48:00.000-08:00

Image via Wikipedia

Did you know that you can find us on Twitter too? We regularly tweet under the name Mystery Scripts.

Come chat to us.