GOTHIC GARDEN SOIREE, A.K.A.The Not So Gilded Age Murder Mystery Show

You have heard of classic story of Romeo & Juliet. Perhaps you know the tale of Hatfield & McCoy. But do you know the tragic mystery behind Mortimer Vale & Isolde Shaw?

CLUE PARTY

Upon arrival, every guests receives their formal invitation, which reveals their characters bio and a set of clues revealing motives and more about other characters in the room. Everyone must mingle, introduce themselves (in character) and interrogate everyone in the room to gather clues and solve the mystery. The ultimate cocktail party game, this is speed dating for suspects. Everyone is also a deputized detective and will submit their solutions for WHO DID IT, WHERE, HOW and WHY as well as vote for best actor and costume. The show ends as our detective reveals the truth, the winners and we hear some Oscar winning speeches.

FULL SHOW

What we call our “full show”, we turn any venue into a murder mystery dinner theater. Four or more of our professional actors, all experienced Improv comics, greet and mingle as characters from the families. A few party guests are turned into characters as well. When one head of household dies (we stage a death, right in front of your eyes) everyone is a witness, many are a suspect, and the entire crowd is divided into teams of detectives to interrogate the suspects and solve the crime.

Contact us now to request booking dates and rates.

While the stark, soaring architecture of the Gothic period officially reigned from the late 1200s to the early 1700s, it’s the theatrical echo of the mid to late 1800s that truly captures our imagination. As the world teetered on the brink of the industrial revolution, the grand stone edifices of a bygone era began to show the cracks of time. Grey stone, once a symbol of unwavering strength, now bore the weight of encroaching decay, softened only by the lush, almost suffocating embrace of velvet drapes and creeping, untamed flora. In this liminal space, just before Edison’s incandescent glow banished the shadows, candlelight flickered, casting long, dancing figures across crumbling walls. The air, thick with the scent of damp earth and forgotten secrets, pulsed with an undercurrent of intrigue, a promise of mysteries yet to unfold.

It’s an era that one could argue begins with the publishing of Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein in 1818. The decades to come with give rise to the great horror and mystery literature from Edgar Allen Poe, Robert Louis Stevenson, Arthur Conan Doyle, Bram Stoker, Jane Austin and countless others.

Our show leans away from the supernatural characters focusing on the opulence of aristocracy being in contrast with the wars, aging architecture and grim reality on the streets of New York, London, Paris and beyond. Akin to the house of Usher, we have a family of old money means that shows signs of decay mirroring the stone walls. Other characters included “friends”, business associates, politicians and of course, the staff. When it is announced that the head of the family has been found murdered, everyone is a suspect.

How to Transform Your Space into a Gothic Garden Party:

We don’t need all this to make this show a fun success. You can simply dim the lights and have the crowd play dress up. But if you want to truly be a fully immersive experience find a space or decorate a space that leans into the theme.

1. Set the Stage (The Atmosphere):

• Lighting is Key:
  • Start with dimming your existing lights. Use candles (real or LED) in ornate holders, string lights with a warm or colored glow, and strategically placed spotlights to create dramatic shadows.
  • Consider colored gels for spotlights (deep reds, purples, or greens) to add a theatrical touch.
• Fabric and Drapes:
  • Drape dark, heavy fabrics like velvet, brocade, or lace over furniture and walls.
  • Use sheer black or dark purple fabric for ethereal curtains or room dividers.
• Soundscape:
  • Create a playlist of eerie classical music, ambient sounds (wind, rain, distant organ music), and subtle sound effects (creaking doors, whispers).

2. Cultivate Your Gothic Garden:

• Overgrown Foliage:
  • Use artificial vines, ivy, and moss to create a sense of overgrown decay.
  • Incorporate dried flowers, branches, and gnarled twigs.
  • If possible, add live, dark-colored plants (black calla lilies, dark purple succulents) in ornate pots.
• Garden Props:
  • Scatter weathered garden tools (shovels, trowels, pruning shears) around the space.
  • Include antique birdcages (empty or with artificial ravens/crows).
  • Place stone or faux-stone garden statues (gargoyles, angels, cherubs) in strategic locations.
  • Create a small water feature, like a fountain, and tint the water a dark or eerie color.
• “Decaying” Details:
  • Use faux cobwebs to create a sense of age and neglect.
  • “Age” props by dusting them with dark powder or using antiquing techniques.
  • Scatter faux bones or skulls for a macabre touch.

3. Integrate the Existing Space (Loft/Home):

• Contrast is Your Friend:
  • Emphasize the contrast between your space’s existing features (exposed brick, modern furniture) and the Gothic décor.
• Window Treatments:
  • Use dark, heavy curtains or blinds to block out natural light.
  • Consider adding stained glass window clings.
• Furniture:
  • Incorporate antique or vintage furniture (armchairs, side tables, mirrors) into your existing décor.
  • Drape furniture with dark fabrics and add decorative pillows.
• Lighting Focus:
  • Use existing lighting systems to focus light onto specific props or areas of interest.
  • Use colored light bulbs to create a dramatic effect.

4. Add Clues and Themed Props (For a Clue Party):

• Clue Placement:
  • Hide clues within the props and decorations (e.g., inside a book, behind a statue, under a flowerpot).
  • Use antique-looking paper, cryptic symbols, and handwritten notes.
• Themed Props:
  • Incorporate props related to your storyline (e.g., a bloodstained letter, a broken locket, a vial of poison).
  • Use these props as clues or red herrings.

5. Finishing Touches:

• Scent:
  • Use incense, scented candles, or essential oil diffusers to add a subtle, evocative scent (patchouli, sandalwood, or a dark floral).
• Details:
  • Pay attention to the small details, like using antique-looking tableware and serving drinks in vintage glasses.
  • Think about how your guest will interact with the space, and make sure that every aspect of the party contributes to the overall atmosphere.