A Deadly Incentive
Seamus O’Malley hires a public relations firm to help him put
his cherished yet failing pub back in the black.
*Requires 6 people to play the prime suspects. For groups of 20
or more people.
*You can put this in any era you choose.
THE STORY: Seamus O’Malley’s Pub and Grub is a place that
he holds most dear to his heart. Business hasn’t been all that great lately so
he’s hired Peter Blackwell and his public relations team at Blackwell’s List to
help him put his cherished pub back on the map. How? With a treasure hunt that
promises a pot of gold at the end of its “rainbow”.
Great murder mystery game for Saint Patrick’s Day!
YEAR: Any (we’ve set it in modern day).
SIX PRIMARY SUSPECTS:
*Seamus O’Malley: The pub owner who’ll do anything to
keep his tavern afloat. He’s sunk every last penny into this PR campaign. Now
all he can do is cross his fingers and hope it’s a grand success.
*Officer Johnny Malone: Seamus’ cousin. He thinks Seamus is
nuts to do this. How dare he give away the doubloons that have been in his
family for generations! Especially when Johnny is his last living relative and
thought he would get them somewhere down the line!
*Peter Blackwell: He’s the mastermind behind this “Pot of
Gold” PR campaign for Seamus. And like Seamus, has a lot of riding on
the success of this scavenger hunt.
*Moira Blackwell: Peter’s wealthy and classy wife.
What would he ever do without her money, uh mo, what he ever do without HER.
*Irma Snell: Peter’s research analyst. She’s been with him
from Day One (13 years ago) despite Moira’s dislike of her. Of course Seamus
could change her life forever if she has her way! Mrs. Irma O’Malley has a nice
right to it, don’t you think?
*Lurleen Johnson: A contestant in the hunt. Irma
swears she’s seen this woman before although Lurleen claims she just got into
town from Texas
SECONDARY SUSPECTS: Remember, EVERYONE will be actively
involved in this mystery because it will be their job to solve the case and
because you’ll be encouraging them to come in costume and in character. Use any
or all of these secondary suspects if you have “extra” cast members
you want to use or if you have some guests who want to take on a character but
not take on the full responsibility of a primary suspect. Give them their
secondary suspect instructions (included) and let them run with it. ***FOR LARGE
GROUP MYSTERIES (75 OR MORE): I’d definitely suggest you cast your secondary
suspects. During the mystery it will be the secondary suspects “job” to act as
general support for the primary suspects. They’ll roam the room “gossiping” about the
goings-in, quiet the audience down during a main action, answer questions,
bring primary suspects to tables for questioning and make sure your guests have
seen the physical clues that have been revealed.
*Ingrid Snell: Irma’s sister. They are very much alike and
protect and defend each other to the death. Ingrid wants a job with Blackwell’s
List – the same job Lurleen Johnson has now.
*Desmond Lacey: A friend of Johnny’s whose help he’s enlisted tonight
as “assistant” security
guard. Cagney will be thrilled to help Johnny in any way he can throughout the
evening. Being a security guard makes him feel tough and brawny – like a real
bad boy.
*Bonnie Cochran: Seamus’ lawyer here to oversee all things
legal. She can advise Seamus on anything and everything.
*Robin Leacher: He (she) is a reporter for your small town
newspaper who was sent to cover this event. He really wants to be on TV so he
likes to “report” the goings on as they happen as if he were in
front of a TV camera then get feedback from folks on how to improve his
technique.
*Maggie May O’Connor: Seamus’ girlfriend who wants a
commitment from him, gosh darn it. She certainly doesn’t like Irma moving in on
her territory!
GAME SAMPLE
HALEY PRODUCTIONS EST. 1988
Murder Mystery Game Sample
Partial Script; some explanations and details are omitted but
will be included with your game purchase (such as when to take breaks for
optional dinner courses, costuming ideas and samples, how to stage a fight,
etc.)
There are 2 versions of the game available to you with purchase. Version 1
is the Know It All Version wherein the prime suspects get the
script/sequence of actions ahead of time and know whodunit. Version 2 is the Narrator
version where they’ll just get their character descriptions ahead of
time and you’ll add a narrator to tell the story while your prime suspects act
out what he/she is saying. In this version they won’t need to know whodunit. YOU WILL
RECEIVE BOTH VERSIONS WHEN YOU PURCHASE THIS GAME.
KNOW IT ALL VERSION
Use this version of the game if your prime suspects will know
whodunit. (We recommend this version for larger groups of 60 or more).
A sample of the NARRATOR VERSION follows.
HOW THE KNOW IT ALL VERSION OF
THIS MYSTERY GAME WORKS:
*You’ll need to cast your prime suspects (see character
descriptions below). They’ll have full knowledge of the script, which means
they’ll know whodunit.
*The rest of your guests will take on the role of detective and
it will be their job to actively solve the case by examining evidence, finding
clues, following and questioning suspects – whatever it takes for them to solve
the mystery.
Essentially, everyone will have a crucial, interactive part in
the mystery.
*The whodunit will be about 1 ½ to 2 hours long but you can make
it shorter by tightening up the sequence of events (warning:
this means LESS audience participation) or longer by allowing more time
between the scenes/action.
*Your guest actors won’t have to memorize a lot of dialogue but
they will have to be familiar with a sequence of events (see script samples
below) or timeline (see or sample timeline) that will move the mystery through
the clues, the murder(s) and the solving of the crime. They’ll have to carry
out certain actions (like arguments) and suspicious activities to set
themselves up as suspects.
*All are mystery games are challenging to solve but they’re also
comedies – a great combination for an unforgettable event.
*This will not be a stationary mystery – it will be
action-packed; we get people active and involved unlike those
mysteries-in-a-box where everyone just sits around reading their part and
asking questions they get from a booklet.
NOTE: You can modify any of our mystery games to best suit your
needs as long as each suspect maintains a motive to commit the crime(s).
A DEADLY INCENTIVE
YEAR: Current (FEEL FREE TO CHANGE
THE YEAR IF YOU WANT – 1960’s, 70’s –any decade will work).
EVENT: A treasure hunt sponsored by Seamus (“Shay-muss”) O’Malley to
bring business to his failing pub.
THE PRIZE: “A Pot of Gold” – Gold doubloons worth $5,000. These doubloons
have been in Seamus’ family for generations and they were allegedly part of the
pirate Grace O’Malley’s bounty but Seamus is willing to part with them
if it means he can keep his pub.
ABOUT “GRANUAILE” – Grace O’Malley: Grace
O’Malley truly existed and was known in the 16th century as “Queen of
the Irish Seas
PRIMARY SUSPECTS: These are the folks who will have
full knowledge of the mystery; you’ll give them this complete script.
*Seamus (“Shay-muss”) O’Malley: Owner of O’Malley’s Pub and
Grub. A congenial, gregarious, boisterous and happy man who loves his little
pub (started by his grandfather) and is devastated that he may lose it. That’s
why he hired Peter Blackwell to help him put O’Malley’s back on the map once
again. Seamus doesn’t drink alcohol but when he’s nervous (and he will
certainly be at the event he’s hosting), he tends to drink a lot. He can drink
water or soda but he always has a non-alcoholic drink in his hand. Think of
this as his cigarette substitute.
COSTUME: INCLUDED IN FULL VERSION OF
THE GAME FOR ALL SUSPECTS
His relationship to the other suspects: INCLUDED IN FULL VERSION OF THE
GAME FOR ALL SUSPECTS.
*Officer Johnny Malone: Seamus’ cousin on his mother’s side,
in fact his only living relative. Seamus hired him as security to
make sure no one touches that “pot of gold.” Johnny has a
raucous sense of humor, loves the ladies and is always the life of the party.
One might question his police ability but underneath that fun-loving exterior
lays a sharp mind. He is truly an excellent police officer (sort of like
Columbo was an excellent detective.)
*Peter Blackwell: Self-absorbed owner of Blackwell’s
List Public Relations Firm (established 13 years ago). Peter is the man
behind the treasure hunt contest. He’s married to a very wealthy woman (Moira) and uses
her money to get he wants. This greedy, self-indulgent man will scam anyone,
anytime if he can make money at it. He’s also a pretty darn good PR man.
*Moira (“Maura” or “Moy-ra” – whichever you prefer) Blackwell:
Peter’s wife of 12 years and a “consultant” with his
company. That is to say, her wealth and class add prestige to Blackwell’s List.
She is charming, classy and smooth (most of the time). She married Peter despite her
father’s strong insistence that it would never last and that Peter would just
use here. Unfortunately, Daddy was right although she’d be the last to admit it!
*Irma Snell: A research analyst for Blackwell’s List – she’s
been in the same position since Peter started the company 13 years ago.
She researches potential clients and their products or services for Peter and his
pitch team. A nerdish, very detail oriented unmarried/unattached woman with a
very healthy libido, especially when it comes to Seamus O’Malley! She has
been the bane of his existence, truth be told, ever since that first interview
he had with her so she could provide Peter with the details necessary
for a successful campaign. She doesn’t take reject well at all and becomes
rather psychotic when she is turned down in her sorry attempts to get him to
ask her out. (Think “Fatal Attraction.”)
*Lurleen Johnson: A vivacious, fun-loving Texas
SECONDARY SUSPECTS (optional)
Remember, EVERYONE will be actively involved in this mystery because it will be
their job to solve the case and because you’ll be encouraging them to come in
costume and in character. Use any or all of these secondary suspects if you
have “extra” cast members you want to use or if you have some guests who
want to take on a character but not take on the full responsibility of a
primary suspect. You will NOT give them a script but you will give
them a description of their character and let them run with it. ***FOR LARGE
GROUP MYSTERIES (75 OR MORE): I’d definitely suggest you cast your secondary
suspects and give them a script – just like you’ll do with your primary suspects.
During the mystery it will be the secondary suspects’ “job” to act as
general support for the primary suspects. They’ll roam the room “gossiping” about the
goings-in, quiet the audience down during a main action, answer questions,
bring primary suspects to tables for questioning and make sure your guests have
seen the physical clues that have been revealed.
There’s a separate document included with this kit that contains
instructions for these guests.
*Ingrid Snell: Irma’s “twin” sister. They are very much
alike and protect and defend each other to the death. Ingrid wants a job with
Blackwell’s List but so far Moira insists there are no openings and
refuses to let Peter hire her. It’d be great if they could dress alike.
*Desmond Lacey (or Lacey
Desmond if you choose a female for this part):
A friend of Johnny’s whose help he’s enlisted tonight as “assistant” security
guard. Desmond currently works as a security guard at WalMart (or Kmart) –
someplace where the danger level is just about non-existent. Because of his
many health ailments, Desmond could never be accepted to the police academy
despite his strong desire to be a cop. He will of course be thrilled to help Johnny in any way
he can throughout the evening. “Security” is his middle name. Well not really
but he likes to think so.
*Bonnie (or Ben) Cochran: Seamus’ know it all, pompous lawyer
here to oversee all things legal. She can advise Seamus (and the
guests) on anything and everything – even if they don’t ask for advice.
* Robin Leacher: He (she) is a reporter for your small town
newspaper who’s here to cover this event. He really wants to be on TV so he
likes to “report” the goings on as they happen as if he were in front of a TV
camera then get feedback from folks on how to improve his technique. Peter will really
want to impress this person. Good press is everything in a PR campaign.
*Maggie May O’Connor: Seamus’ girlfriend who wants a commitment
from him, gosh darn it. She certainly doesn’t like Irma moving in
on her territory!
*You can
also include Peter’s pitch team – the idea people. It’d be fun if
they were all clones of each other in the way they dressed but highly competitive
with one another in everything they did.
Motives: INCLUDED IN FULL VERSION OF
THE GAME.
THE SEQUENCE OF EVENTS
ORGANIZER, as you begin the evening:
Make sure Seamus has a pitcher of water or whatever sort of
beverage he wants and a glass.
Give sealed envelope to Peter to pass to Lurleen as outlined
above. Nothing has to be in it because it’s never opened.
Make sure Johnny has his gun.
0:00
Seamus enters. He pours himself a drink from a pitcher of water (set this up somewhere for him before the mystery
begins), welcomes everyone to his pub and introduces himself.
After which, he introduces Peter, Moira and Irma from
Blackwell’s List – the PR firm responsible for this little treasure hunt.
He explains that the clue sheets for the “Pot of
Gold” Treasure Hunt will be given out after dinner when the hunt will
begin. The winner will receive the gold doubloons worth $5,000 that have been
in his family since the 16th century.
0:05
All primary suspects mingle and introduce yourselves to your
guests.
Irma hits on Seamus (awkwardly but aggressively). She avoids Moira but doesn’t
hesitate to talk about her behind her back as they need to set up their mutual
dislike of each other.
Seamus is a nervous wreck and Irma isn’t helping calm his
nerves. He overwhelms his guests by pushing in their chairs, re-arranging their
silverware, trying to take half-empty drinks to clear the table, etc.
Peter brags that the treasure hunt was all his idea – an idea that
will squelch the nasty rumors about his company being in trouble (he stops himself from saying more about IRS audit – that will come out later).
Peter (sarcastically): That’ll show my wife who seems to
think the only thing I’m good at is taking her money! That doesn’t mean that I
don’t love her dearly however!
He is also seen passing an envelope to Lurleen. If anyone
sees them and makes mention of it, they should only say that Peter was giving Lurleen a copy of
his clue sheet* because Lurleen’s wasn’t a clear enough copy.
Peter and Lurleen should also clearly be attracted to one another while keeping a
distance from each other.
Johnny mentions why he’s here (security) but also expresses his
disapproval in what Seamus is doing, especially when it comes to giving away the
doubloons. And he often speaks of what he would if this were his pub.
Moira talks highly of her husband and his firm and her unequaled
support of him (and she adds in a secretive voice, “just ignore
any nasty rumors you’ve heard about his company”). No matter
how hard pressed, she will not say more. “Oh, I’ve said too much already!
Really, it’s nothing.” Right now, she is gracious and charming with only a hint of
being insincere.
0:10
Irma thinks that she recognizes Lurleen. She asks
the guests if they’ve ever seen the woman before. Then she barrages Lurleen with
questions about where they could have met before (naming all sorts of stupid
places).
This makes Lurleen very nervous so she keeps avoiding
the questions and moving away from Irma only to have Irma
persistently follow her through the room until Peter pulls her
away from Lurleen and orders her to leave the woman alone!
0:15
Johnny tries to be nice to Moira. He doesn’t mean anything by
his chatter – perhaps he comments that she fits her suit/outfit very well as he
gives her an appraising once-over.
Moira shows her cold side with her response: How dare he make such
overtly sexual innuendo to a happily married woman! That’s harassment!
He is very taken aback by her over the top reaction and promises
her he didn’t mean anything by what he said.
He reaches out to touch her arm to show is earnestness. She
wrenches it away and says, “Don’t touch me you classless moron!”
Johnny is still confused because he hasn’t done anything! As he tries
to apologize once again, Peter asks what’s going on.
Moira falls into his arms and cries that Officer Malone was
saying all sorts of sexual things to her, despite her telling him she was
happily married!
As Johnny defends himself, Peter ignores him pulls Moira aside, grabs
her by both arms and orders her to calm down…
NARRATOR VERSION
Use this version of the game if yon don’t want your prime suspects
to know whodunit. They will simply follow instructions provided by your
narrator.
HOW THE NARRATOR VERSION OF THIS MYSTERY GAME WORKS:
*You’ll need to cast your prime suspects (see character descriptions
below). They’ll get their character descriptions and the basic premise of the
mystery but that’s it. You’ll also cast a narrator to be the storyteller. Your
prime suspects will act out what the narrator says. They’ll have to carry out
certain actions (like arguments) and suspicious activities to set themselves up
as suspects.
*The rest of your guests will take on the role of detective and
it will be their job to actively solve the case by examining evidence, finding
clues, following and questioning suspects –whatever it takes for them to solve the
mystery.
Essentially, everyone will have a crucial, interactive part in the
mystery.
*The whodunit will be about 1 ½ to 2 hours long but you can make
it shorter by tightening up the sequence of events (warning:
this means LESS audience participation) or longer by allowing more time
between the scenes/action.
*All are mystery games are challenging to solve but they’re also
comedies – a great combination for an unforgettable event.
*This will not be a stationary mystery – it will be
action-packed; we get people active and involved unlike those
mysteries-in-a-box where everyone just sits around reading their part and
asking questions they get from a booklet.
*NOTE: You can modify any of our mystery games to best suit your
needs so long as each suspect maintains a motive to commit the crime(s).
Prior to your mystery event/party, you’ll send your prime
suspects complete character descriptions of all the suspects – which are the
same as described above, costume suggestions and the following instructions.
THE NARRATOR
This character will narrate the action in the mystery game.
As a prime suspect, your instructions are very easy. Your job
will be to a act out what this narrator says and follow his instructions (feeling free to ad lib if you are so inspired).
You also need to react – as your character – to what’s going in
the mystery so listen well to your narrator and don’t hesitate to interact with
your fellow suspects and the audience. Have fun, let loose, and ham it up!
PRIME SUSPECTS, WHEN THE MYSTERY STARTS HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED
TO DO:
*Mingle and introduce yourself. Work the room! Get into the fun
of playing your character.
*Use the character bio we’ve provided to tell your story and to
gossip about your fellow suspects.
*Engage in conversations with guests and answer their questions.
Any time the narrator is not narrating the story you should be mingling and
playing up the story as it unfolds.
*Any additional character
notes/actions are inserted here in the4 full Narrator version.
YOUR PRIME SUSPECTS WON ’T GET THE
FOLLOWING INFORMATION; ONLY YOU AND YOUR
NARRATOR WILL. This is what he/she will read during the mystery:
ORGANIZER NOTES – There are notes to the organizer preceding
any scene that requires props or some sort of prep work (like making up the victim).
Narrator: Welcome Ladies and Gentlemen. My name is Bert (or Berta)
Beetlejuice and I am here to lead you through this mystery. Now onto the
business at hand… Seamus would like to welcome your guests or perhaps Peter,
you’d like to tell everyone about your brilliant plan to save Seamus’ beloved
pub? (Pause and let them figure out what they want to do.)
Narrator: I see that Johnny is approaching Moira. Perhaps he wants to know
more about the ‘nasty rumors’ she’s been alluding to about her husband’s
company?? Instead he gives her the once over and gives her what he thinks is a
lovely compliment. (Pause to allow him to do so.) Moira is incensed with his
remark! How dare he say such a thing to a happily married woman! That’s harassment!
(Pause) Johnny is
very taken aback by her over the top reaction and promises her he didn’t mean
anything by what he said. He reaches out to touch her arm to show is
earnestness. She wrenches it away, ordering him not to touch her. (Pause for
action). Johnny is still confused because he feels he was just being
Irish – the blarney and all that! As he tries to apologize once again, Peter
asks what’s going on. (Pause) As Johnny defends himself, Peter ignores him as he grabs Moira
by both arms. He angrily orders her to calm down and not ruin his night with
her attention-getting drama. Moira silently takes it and lets Peter just storm
away when he is through his tirade. (Pause. If he doesn’t really have a
tirade above and beyond what you say here then you can call him on it – “that’s
your tirade, just repeating what I said?” Moira now apologizes to everyone,
especially Seamus for her over-reaction.
Organizer:
*As discreetly as possible tell Peter to get Lurleen and leave
the room together.
*Make sure Seamus has a drink in his hand.
