Murderous end to the season

MURDER mystery company It's Murder helped us close the season in style with a weekend of deadly entertainment at the White House Hotel.

Halloween month was the perfect time for the horror-themed story, Too Much At Stake.

The setting was the fifth annual Spooc Convention – the Society for the Preservation of Old Cinema. The cast played famous actors and actresses of the horror genre and the guests were their fans, here to attend workshops at the convention.

Each workshop was run by a 'film star' famous for their portrayal of a well-known fictional horror character.

Many of those present had attended the company's past events at the hotel, some travelling from England. It was a perfect opportunity to dress up and have some good-spirited fun.

A common misconception is that these are events where guests have to get involved, but that is far from the truth.

It's Murder is a company of talented and witty actors and the entertainment was provided entirely by them. Guests could take part or not say a word and just watch the clues unfold.

With no scripts, the entire weekend was improvised on the spot, which was no mean feat.

Guests were invited to watch the entertainment and solve the crime while enjoying the delights of the White House's menu and wine list.

This year's was the sixth such event and each has been a great success.

The White House is the perfect place for the murder mystery stories, which span from the 1920s to the present day.

It's Murder was set up a decade ago by Jack Johnson, who also acts, often playing the inspector who keeps everyone in check.