Murder mystery raised thousands for Allendale play park

The evening of intrigue and entertainment brought the rural community of Allendale one step closer to a new play space for its children.

The entire event was conceived, written, produced, rehearsed and delivered in just ten weeks by a team of local volunteers (Image: Allendale Panto)

The original dinner theatre experience, A Lethal Luncheon at the Lardidahs, raised £4,166 for the Allendale Play Park Renovation Fund and welcomed more than 100 guests across two sold-out performances at Allendale Village Hall, on June 26 and 27.

The original comedy murder mystery was written and directed by Laura Charlton (Image: Allendale Panto)

The comedy whodunit was written and directed by Laura Charlton and staged by the Allen Valley Drama Group in partnership with the village hall.

Food served at the event (Image: Allendale Panto)

Combining live theatre, a three-course meal and an interactive murder mystery investigation, the event invited audiences to become detectives for the evening as they attempted to uncover the killer amongst a cast of eccentric suspects at the wealthy Lardidah family's country estate.

Chris Garner, Chair of Allendale Village Hall and an organiser of the event, said: "When we first started discussing the idea earlier this year, we hoped it would be something the community would enjoy and that it would make a meaningful contribution towards the play park project.

The event at the village hall (Image: Allendale Panto)

"To see it raise £4,166 in just two evenings has been incredible."

Guests arrived in everything from formal evening wear to full 1960s-inspired costumes, travelling from more than three counties to take part in the immersive experience.

They spent the evening examining evidence, enjoying a three-course meal, and attempting to solve the mystery amongst a cast of eccentric suspects.

The event took place on June 26 and 27 (Image: Allendale Panto)

Audience members described the show as "better than I could have imagined", "a marvellous night" and "fantastic from the first drink to the three-course meal".

The entire event was conceived, written, produced, rehearsed and delivered in just ten weeks by a team of local volunteers.

Chris said: "The support we've received has completely exceeded our expectations.

It involved live theatre, a three-course meal and an interactive murder mystery investigation (Image: Allendale Panto)

"From those who bought tickets and dressed up for the occasion, to the volunteers, performers, caterers and everyone working behind the scenes, this really was a community effort from start to finish."

Guests described the production as "better than I could have imagined" (Image: Allendale Panto)

The funds raised bring the play park renovation project significantly closer to its Phase One target, edging the first stage of improvements for local families within reach.

A Lethal Luncheon at the Lardidahs welcomed more than 100 guests (Image: Allendale Panto)

Organisers say they have already received requests for future murder mystery events following the production's success.

Top-secret case files (Image: Allendale Panto)

More importantly, the £4,166 raised has moved the play park project significantly closer to its phase one fundraising target, bringing the first stage of improvements for local children and families within touching distance.

Volunteers hard at work (Image: Allendale Panto)

With two further phases still to fund, anyone wishing to support the campaign can find out more via the Allendale Village Hall website or by getting in touch directly.

In just ten weeks, an idea sketched out around a table became two sold-out nights of theatre, laughter and community spirit, and £4,166 towards a better future for the village's children.

For more information, go to https://allendalevillagehall.org.uk/