Show Up Productions Ltd is proud to present
STAB IN THE DARK
An Immersive Crime Scene Experience
24 Wallis Avenue, Southend-On-Sea, SS2 6HS
1st – 31st October 2019
STAB IN THE DARK
An Immersive Crime Scene Experience
24 Wallis Avenue, Southend-On-Sea, SS2 6HS
1st – 31st October 2019
Imagine my delight at being asked to come and try out a murder crime immersive experience. After years of watching Murder She Wrote and Miss Marple mysteries I felt I was more than ready to try out this sleuthing business for myself and with the help of three like-minded and eager friends, Jacquee, Vanessa and Ross, was certain that we would have no trouble working out who murdered Vicky Stone, manager of Barker's Boutique. The Southend Theatre Scene Crime Squad were ready to investigate.
We were instantly transported back in time to 1995 and met by a detective from the Police Station next door (handy) to the boutique who gave us the police notes on the case and explained what had happened the day before. We then ventured through the plastic curtains which led us into the crime scene, not forgetting to put on the protective blue shoe covers, just like in the tv shows which really made us feel the part, very exciting - and cracked straight on with searching for clues. We had an hour to find as many clues as we could and an occasional visitor to the shop popped in to add to the intrigue and get our minds wondering if they could possibly be a suspect in this unfortunate and grisly crime.
Vanessa and Jacquee took charge of the police black notebooks and jotted down anything that we thought may help the investigation. The room is brilliantly well made up to look just as though it were in the 1990s and the police station office and interview room were equally authentic. Once the hour was over and as many clues as we could find collected, we were then taken to the police station with clues sent off to be analysed and suspects lined up ready for interrogation.
As serious as the subject of crime solving may be there is a definite air of silliness in these proceedings and we couldn't help but have a giggle at ourselves whilst playing along with this scenario. The actors playing the roles sometimes double up on characters but they are very convincing and it's great fun trying to find out who is the murderer. Obviously, I can't give away too much here as there are another few weeks of 'performances' of this experience which really is a lot of fun and also quite exhilarating. There was a 'eureka' moment at one point, when Jacquee came up with a brilliant theory based on the evidence we had and we were all thoroughly convinced we knew who the murderer was but, alas, we were defeated and had to come away with the knowledge that actually our detective skills were so rubbish, we had allowed the murderer to get away.
This was enormous fun and a great experience for any group of friends to get involved with. As this is a trial run for the company, the ticket prices are a bargain half price. They will also be putting on special experiences during the school Half Term tailored for kids too!
The venue is a little off the beaten track, as it were, but we parked in the Civic Car Park in Victoria Avenue, Southend (map below) and it took around 5 minutes or so to walk there. It's also not too far from Southend Victoria Train Station and the bus route goes along Victoria Avenue. The venue does look a little scruffy from the outside but I can assure you that once you are inside you are warmly welcomed before becoming completely engrossed in the 'game'. The whole experience takes 2 hours and I'll be honest a nice cup of tea or some sort of refreshment would have gone down well half way through, so maybe take along a bottle of water or drink if you think you might get a bit thirsty.
We left the building buzzing with chat about what a great experience we'd had, despite our disappointment at not guessing who the murderer was and still trying to figure out how we could have missed clues. Are you a budding detective up for the challenge? Perhaps you and your friends can do better than us? Let us know if you do!
We were instantly transported back in time to 1995 and met by a detective from the Police Station next door (handy) to the boutique who gave us the police notes on the case and explained what had happened the day before. We then ventured through the plastic curtains which led us into the crime scene, not forgetting to put on the protective blue shoe covers, just like in the tv shows which really made us feel the part, very exciting - and cracked straight on with searching for clues. We had an hour to find as many clues as we could and an occasional visitor to the shop popped in to add to the intrigue and get our minds wondering if they could possibly be a suspect in this unfortunate and grisly crime.
Vanessa and Jacquee took charge of the police black notebooks and jotted down anything that we thought may help the investigation. The room is brilliantly well made up to look just as though it were in the 1990s and the police station office and interview room were equally authentic. Once the hour was over and as many clues as we could find collected, we were then taken to the police station with clues sent off to be analysed and suspects lined up ready for interrogation.
As serious as the subject of crime solving may be there is a definite air of silliness in these proceedings and we couldn't help but have a giggle at ourselves whilst playing along with this scenario. The actors playing the roles sometimes double up on characters but they are very convincing and it's great fun trying to find out who is the murderer. Obviously, I can't give away too much here as there are another few weeks of 'performances' of this experience which really is a lot of fun and also quite exhilarating. There was a 'eureka' moment at one point, when Jacquee came up with a brilliant theory based on the evidence we had and we were all thoroughly convinced we knew who the murderer was but, alas, we were defeated and had to come away with the knowledge that actually our detective skills were so rubbish, we had allowed the murderer to get away.
This was enormous fun and a great experience for any group of friends to get involved with. As this is a trial run for the company, the ticket prices are a bargain half price. They will also be putting on special experiences during the school Half Term tailored for kids too!
The venue is a little off the beaten track, as it were, but we parked in the Civic Car Park in Victoria Avenue, Southend (map below) and it took around 5 minutes or so to walk there. It's also not too far from Southend Victoria Train Station and the bus route goes along Victoria Avenue. The venue does look a little scruffy from the outside but I can assure you that once you are inside you are warmly welcomed before becoming completely engrossed in the 'game'. The whole experience takes 2 hours and I'll be honest a nice cup of tea or some sort of refreshment would have gone down well half way through, so maybe take along a bottle of water or drink if you think you might get a bit thirsty.
We left the building buzzing with chat about what a great experience we'd had, despite our disappointment at not guessing who the murderer was and still trying to figure out how we could have missed clues. Are you a budding detective up for the challenge? Perhaps you and your friends can do better than us? Let us know if you do!
Kim, Jacquee, Vaness & Ross attempt to solve the crime!
Show Up Productions Ltd has created STAB IN THE DARK. Part escape room, part immersive theatre performance; this unique experience is coming to Southend-On-Sea for a limited four week run from October 1st 2019.
It’s 1995. There has been a murder at Barker’s Boutique. You have been called in by the local police to help the investigation. Spend an hour in the crime scene looking for clues and collecting evidence. Take your findings to the police station where you can submit your evidence for forensic analysis, speak to witnesses and eliminate possible suspects.
Can you solve the case?!
Show Up Productions Ltd is run by Rachel Dingle, a Benfleet based Theatre Maker and Entrepreneur. Show Up aims to produce a wide variety of theatre and events around Essex. Stab in the Dark is their debut production.
It’s 1995. There has been a murder at Barker’s Boutique. You have been called in by the local police to help the investigation. Spend an hour in the crime scene looking for clues and collecting evidence. Take your findings to the police station where you can submit your evidence for forensic analysis, speak to witnesses and eliminate possible suspects.
Can you solve the case?!
Show Up Productions Ltd is run by Rachel Dingle, a Benfleet based Theatre Maker and Entrepreneur. Show Up aims to produce a wide variety of theatre and events around Essex. Stab in the Dark is their debut production.
For tickets and more information go to www.showupproductions.co.uk
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SO WHAT IS THIS?!
It's like an escape room but with a story. You are given an initial report which will set you off on your investigation. There are about 20 clues in the crime scene which you need to find. Some need bagging up as evidence and submitting for closer analysis. There is a list of services available to you and what they cost, and you need to decide what you want to spend your budget on. Once your time in the crime scene is up you return to the police station to collate your findings. You can then ask to speak to witnesses. At the end you submit your evidence and declare who you think the murderer is!
WHY IS IT ONLY ON FOR FOUR WEEKS?
Essentially we are doing a four week trial run so we can test out the story and the logistics of the experience. Because this is a trial we're offering all tickets for half price! If all goes to plan we hope to find a permanent home in 2020.
DO I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING?
Players do not need to bring anything to the experience. Comfortable clothing is advised.
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
The experience lasts for two hours. One hour is spent in the crime scene. One hour in the police station. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your slot for a briefing.
Unlike an escape room, there is no glory for finishing quickly. Take your time and enjoy it!
HOW DO WE WIN?
Simply work out who couldn't have committed the crime. If you are left with one suspect then you've got yourself a murderer.
ARE THERE REAL ACTORS?
Yes! Real life actors who play various characters.
HOW MANY PLAYERS CAN THERE BE?
Minimum of 3. Maximum of 5.
WHAT IS THE AGE LIMIT?
The experience is for ages 14+ and under 16s have to be with an adult.
IS THE EXPERIENCE ACCESSIBLE?
The experience is on the ground floor. However there are three steps between the outside and the experience so unfortunately we are not wheelchair accessible.
IS IT GORY?
There is a small amount of fake blood. And 2/3 images of a 'dead' body. Neither is graphic.
WILL I BE WITH OTHER TEAMS?
Nope. You've booked the slot. It's yours.
DO YOU HAVE PARKING?
There is limited parking but several car parks nearby.
It's like an escape room but with a story. You are given an initial report which will set you off on your investigation. There are about 20 clues in the crime scene which you need to find. Some need bagging up as evidence and submitting for closer analysis. There is a list of services available to you and what they cost, and you need to decide what you want to spend your budget on. Once your time in the crime scene is up you return to the police station to collate your findings. You can then ask to speak to witnesses. At the end you submit your evidence and declare who you think the murderer is!
WHY IS IT ONLY ON FOR FOUR WEEKS?
Essentially we are doing a four week trial run so we can test out the story and the logistics of the experience. Because this is a trial we're offering all tickets for half price! If all goes to plan we hope to find a permanent home in 2020.
DO I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING?
Players do not need to bring anything to the experience. Comfortable clothing is advised.
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
The experience lasts for two hours. One hour is spent in the crime scene. One hour in the police station. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your slot for a briefing.
Unlike an escape room, there is no glory for finishing quickly. Take your time and enjoy it!
HOW DO WE WIN?
Simply work out who couldn't have committed the crime. If you are left with one suspect then you've got yourself a murderer.
ARE THERE REAL ACTORS?
Yes! Real life actors who play various characters.
HOW MANY PLAYERS CAN THERE BE?
Minimum of 3. Maximum of 5.
WHAT IS THE AGE LIMIT?
The experience is for ages 14+ and under 16s have to be with an adult.
IS THE EXPERIENCE ACCESSIBLE?
The experience is on the ground floor. However there are three steps between the outside and the experience so unfortunately we are not wheelchair accessible.
IS IT GORY?
There is a small amount of fake blood. And 2/3 images of a 'dead' body. Neither is graphic.
WILL I BE WITH OTHER TEAMS?
Nope. You've booked the slot. It's yours.
DO YOU HAVE PARKING?
There is limited parking but several car parks nearby.