Carrington Inn hosts whodunit mystery nights

It’s been 20 years since the last murder mystery at Carrington Inn, however, a wealthy Englishman is destined to meet his end there next month. For two evenings, guests are invited to play detective in the whodunit Interactive Murder Mystery - The Watersdown Affair on 5 and 6 May.

The once popular game nights stopped before new proprietor Richard Graham took over in 2013. Intrigued by the idea but unsure how to proceed, a chance encounter with Sydney company, How to Host a Murder, saw the avenue open to him. Next month will be the first of what Mr Graham hopes will be many murder mystery nights with plans to host them every quarter.

“It’s very different than going to a movie, it’s very different than interacting with a tablet. It’s a real evening out where you’re really engaged and using your head because you actually are solving the mystery,” he says.

According to Mr Graham, people seem to be looking for ways to reconnect with one another and take a break from their screens. For the two and half hours the game runs there will be no need for screens, as the good company, fun game and delicious refreshments are all you need.

“I think to some extent, the situation we just went through with Covid, where we were all isolated for so long from each other, I think we’re seeing that in our restaurant business, people are wanting to get back together with people,” he says.

In the ballroom, 12 mysteries will run simultaneously on the two evenings, as game masters from Sydney work with the groups and guide them. Nibbles and your first glass are included in the ticket price, with more drinks available for purchase.

Bookings of eight will each choose their character for the night a week in advance to allow time for costume scouting. Mr Graham believes the dressing up aspect of the evening is one of the drawcards, especially for the younger generations booking in.

“It’s kind of a hybrid, you get an old-fashioned kind of game and then you get a little bit of cosplay in there.”

Put your detective skills to the test in Interactive Murder Mystery - The Watersdown Affair at Carrington Inn, Bungendore 5-6 May; trybooking.com

- Jessica Cordwell