one4review | On 03, Aug 2025

A Highly Suspect Murder Mystery is a playful, interactive whodunit from immersive theatre company Highly Suspect, known for their inventive murder mystery formats. This time, Sherlock Holmes is apparently dead, but the first case at hand is the murder of Inspector Scott Lanyard of Scotland Yard, and the suspects are all suspiciously close to 221B Baker Street.

The cast of four, Dr Watson, Mycroft Holmes, Mrs Hudson and Inspector Lestrade, are vividly drawn and performed with great energy and chemistry. Their lively banter keeps the show engaging, even if the script leans a little too heavily on variations of “elementary, my dear Watson.”

Early on, audience members are handed evidence packs and split into teams. Each suspect presents their version of events, riddled with Sherlockian clichés, and the floor is the opened for audience interrogation. The whole process is smoothly run, with no pressure to speak or participate beyond your own comfort level.

This isn’t conventional theatre, there are stretches where the cast step back and the audience work together in groups to piece together the evidence and solve the crime. While the action may pause, the sense of collaboration keeps the energy going and the packed theatre was clearly enjoying the process.

If you love puzzle-solving, clue-hunting and a bit of theatrical sleuthing, Highly Suspect offers a fun, well-executed experience. For amateur detectives, it’s a satisfying and entertaining hour at the Fringe.

****

Reviewed by Howard

The Space @ Surgeons Hall

16.55 (1hr 5 mins)

Until 23 Aug (not 10 or 17)