Cat’s Meow Speakeasy Murder Mystery Clue Party HOW TO PLAY THE GAME

We hope you love playing this party game as much as we loved creating it. The Cat’s Meow scripts have been used by our detectives for dozens of Corporate and Private event clients in New York, Boston, Cape Cod, New Jersey, Washington DC, Philadelphia, and beyond. We now have digital downloadable games, and murder in a box versions available. Order now online, or EMAIL us today to hire a detective. We will customize the cast of characters to your guest list. Below is an explanation of what is in your box/download. We have a few ways to play the game. We also have links to potential costumes, props and decorations to set up the 1920’s speakeasy vibe in any home, office or venue of your choosing. PS We also have full murder mystery dinner theater events with 4 or more actors.

WHEN YOU OPEN THE BOX or GET THE PDF DOWNLOAD…

Open the box or PRINT the PDF file. We print on faux parchment paper for fun effect. Anything goes at YOUR party. Every box or digital download contains the following:

Characters for 10, 20 or customized list as per your requests. Every “script” is a mock invitation for their character. When they open the script, a character bio is revealed a long with three clues. We write everything in first person (I, we, etc) so folks can literally read off the page. However, we encourage improvisation. HAVE FUN!!!
Answer Sheets & Murder Boards. You may need to make extra copies depending on the size of your event. All you need is to supply some pens (and maybe a lot of red string, perhaps a few push pins.)
Opening Statement: This one-page script is usually written by our detectives. The opening statement sets the stage and is the key to solving the murder. We have a few different versions.
Matching Solution: DO NOT OPEN TILL THE END OF THE SHOW!!!

GAME PLAY #1 Small Parties

For smaller events we give every guest a character. OR you can have couples share a character, stretching the 10 character script a group of 20. We customize scripts for up to 50 guests/characters. The entire show takes about 75 minutes BUT stretched over a night of food & drink can last 2-3 hours. Very flexible.

Guests Arrive: Cast your story. Distribute our scripts. Instruct that they can open and read what is inside but not to share until the game officially starts.
Announce the murder: Once everyone is ready to go, scripts handed out, food & drink in hand… You should read the opening speech. It is the one page of a few paragraphs. This sets the stage and announces a few key clues that will be important to solve the murder.
SPEED DATING FOR SUSPECTS: Now it is time for everyone to play both suspect and detective. Everyone must mingle with every guest, interrogating each other, collecting story and clues. Everyone players has 2-3 unique clues on their scripts. Line all the clues up, against the backdrop of the opening speech, and the murderer is revealed. BUT beware numerous red herrings and human nature.
THE MURDER BOARD: Everyone should have a list of characters to take notes.
THE SOLUTION SHEETS: Everyone should have answer sheets to record their guesses for WHO DID IT, HOW & WHY. They can also vote for best costume and actors.
THE REVEAL: Either collect and and read aloud a few solutions. Or let individuals reveal their answers. THEN open up the solutions and see who got close.
THE BIG REVEAL MELODRAMATIC STYLE… When I run this show as a detective, it is my job to add a little drama and comedy. I know the solution. I will start of by reading the wrong answers, slowly building the suspense. Finally I reveal the winning solutions OR the murderer, who wins the big prize if no one else guesses correctly.
TONY WINNING SPEECHES: Finish the game by announcing the BEST ACTOR and COSTUME award winners and have them make a THANK YOU speech.
PRIZES? When we run events, we pick up basic prizes at FIVE BELOW. Sometimes clients provide GIFT CARDS to Starbucks or similar. Gag Gifts can be fun. Thematic Hollywood, Speakeasy or other gifts. Lots of options.

GAME PLAY FOR LARGER PARTIES – using a 10 character script with 100+ guests.

Expecting a large party. Select 10 guests to play our characters. Everyone else is a detective. Make every banquet round table of guests a team.

Start the show the same way. Announce the murder to the entire audience. But instead of speed dating for suspects, choose one of the methods:

TABLE TO TABLE

Have the suspects rotate around the room. They get to share their story and clues. Each table can interrogate for more details. “ACTORS”

POST AROUND THE ROOM

Have the “ACTORS” stand in different areas of the room. Teams must travel around the room to interrogate for story and clues.

POST AROUND THE PROPERTY/SCAVENGER HUNT

A great option for mansions, country clubs, college campus or other extended/larger spaces… spread the actors out around the property. Teams have to find the characters to collect story and clues.

COSTUME, PROPS & OTHER DECORATIONS

Have Fun, Be Creative but don’t over think it. Less is more. Share these links with your guests. Everyday can be Halloween thanks to online costume stores. HOT TIP: Check out the pictures for ideas then check the back of your closet. You might find something you can accessorize – a dress, a vest, etc. Also, make a trip to your local thrift shops and vintage stores. Theater folk find amazing hidden gems there.