A Murder Mystery 
It is the evening of the latest Bafta Awards at The Royal Festival Hall. And a moment everyone has waited for: the announcement of the Winning Male Actor. Of the three shortlisted actors, the announcer reveals that Cliff Rockford has won it for his performance as Frankenstein’s monster in the latest, very scary, blockbuster re-make, ‘Frankenstein Unchained’. Meanwhile, in the hospitality lounge, Security Detective Andrew McCubbin, is getting ready for his final duty before retirement, and preparing for the ‘cushiest evening of his life’ being put in charge of security. He and his seemingly rather dim nephew , police trainee Dingle, prepare to keep an eye on a reception for Bob and Doris Greenwood, who have won a prize in The Sun newspaper’s BAFTA competition, which gives them the chance to mix and mingle with the three BAFTA nominees and some members of their supporting team. Dingle mentions to McCubbin that he has read of a curse, originally made by Mary Shelley, the original author of ‘Frankenstein’. Mc Cubbin scoffs at this, and starts to meet and greet the guests and the stars. We gradually sense some tensions, and things become more chaotic when a coarse Cleaner, Dolly Beavis, gate-crashes the reception. Then, just before midnight, Doris persuades Rockford to go out and return in his Frankenstein outfit, for a few selfies. Rockford reluctantly agrees, and returns in the outfit. McCubbin and Dingle briefly leave the reception, to get a fresh tray of tea and biscuits and to use the gents. Suddenly, at midnight, there is a blackout. When McCubbin and Dingle return, they are shocked to discover everyone in the room is drowsy, and Rockford, in his Frankenstein guise, is laying on the floor dead. Killed by being bludgeoned with his own BAFTA trophy! Why was ‘Frankenstein’ killed? And who by? And how was the deadly deed done? Everyone in that room is a suspect. McCubbin, in an effort to avoid leaving the Police force in disgrace, and being responsible for his nephew losing his job, takes it upon himself to solve the mystery, and enlists Dingle to assist! Earlier conversations reveal that each character might have a potential motive, and further research uncovers various ‘skeletons in cupboards’. There are several twists and turns, many touches of humour and an absolute blockbuster revelation! This Murder Mystery is slap bang up to date with topical references to celebrities, and it has much originality. Each performer has ample opportunity to showcase their talent and share some limelight, because each character has very individual traits and idiosyncrasies. It is ‘tailored’ for a drama group to have fun with and to provide great entertainment as we continue the tradition for ‘Murder Mysteries’ in Sunbury! A cast of 6 men, and 3 women are required. Plus, there is the option for early cameo roles as presenters/ announcers of the winner (But these can be ‘voiceovers ‘ if preferred). Very little furniture is required, so this is relatively easy to stage. There is ample opportunity for clever sound and lighting effects throughout.