Following the phenomenal success of its original run, and with a third extension now added due to popular demand…
…it seems like the Great Murder Mystery is absolutely killing it.
And no wonder, given that it comes to you from the same team behind unparalleled immersive experiences like The Greatest Night of the Jazz Age and The Great Christmas Feast, which have played to sold-out audiences for the past six years. They’re called The Lost Estate, and they bring together some of the city’s best talents in theatre, music, food and drink to create genuinely transportive evenings where you can lose yourself in another world.
And if the idea of getting lost in the clandestine alleys of Victorian London; the mist-blanketed moors of Devon or the snug, eccentric abode of the world’s greatest detective appeals… then you’ll want to get your tickets now, as they’ve just announced the show’s final extension into August and September – and Nudge readers have exclusive early access.
Credit: Johan Persson
So what can you expect? Well, it’s a gloriously atmospheric retelling of one of Sherlock Holmes’ most mystifying cases: The Hound of the Baskervilles. It all plays out across a 5,000 sq ft venue in West Kensington, which has been transformed into a stunningly detailed recreation of Victorian London. Settling down at your table for the night, you’ll be able to wet your whistle with a 19th century-style cocktail and soak up the impressive set. Then, the lights will dim, and Mr. Holmes himself – accompanied by familiar faces including Watson and his long-suffering housekeeper Mrs. Hudson – will fill you in on the rumours of a ghostly, murderous hound on the loose…
The action unfolds all around you (meaning that every seat is the best in the house), and is genuinely immersive without requiring you to do much more than feast, drink, and enjoy yourself as the team of hard-working actors, musicians and servers whirl around you in a feat of magnificent choreography. The sound, lighting, and magical effects all conspire to sweep you up in the tale – just don’t get so drawn in you miss the martini trolley going past your table.
Credit: Johan Persson
Then, at opportune moments throughout the night, you’ll be treated to another course of Mrs. Hudson’s fine Victorian gastronomy, updated with a little modern flair by The Lost Estate’s executive chef, Ashley Clarke (of Temper Soho and the Gordon Ramsay Group).
As Holmes paints a picture of haunted moors and cursed ancestors, you’ll be blithely tucking into the likes of his favourite Ham & Eggs (made with duck ham, confit egg yolk & pickled blackberries); Spring chicken with truffle mousse and crisp pommes Anna (that’s sliced potato lavished with garlic & thyme-infused duck fat); and a grand finale of a Devonshire tart with black sesame & strawberry compôte, with a little Champagne sorbet for good measure.
Of course, all this talk of spectral hounds is enough to unnerve the most intrepid of detectives, so you’ll be heartily encouraged to avail yourself of Baker Street’s well-stocked liquor cabinet for a little Dutch courage. There’s a whole fleet of innovative Victorian-styled concoctions like the Bengal Swizzle and the Breakfast Punch, which combines breakfast tea with a blend of rum, lemon sherbet, and apricot preserve.
Sounds like it’d make a great toast.
NOTE: The Great Murder Mystery has now announced its final extension into August and September. Tickets start at £149.50 for the experience which includes dinner & the show – you can book for existing dates now, and get exclusive early access to the extension dates, right HERE. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten, and dairy-free menus are available.
The Great Murder Mystery | The Lost Estate, 9 Beaumont Avenue, W14 9LP
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