An interactive murder mystery trial is coming to Shakespeare North

The theatre company behind hugely popular whodunnit afternoon teas at the Everyman is bringing an interactive murder mystery trial to Shakespeare North this month.

Liverpool-based DBY Interactive is staging The City of Curses, set against a backdrop of the historical witch hunts, at the Cockpit Theatre on Thursday May 14.

A witch accused of sorcery, seduction and murder has to prove her innocence – and audiences get the chance to spot clues and use their powers of deduction to work out whether she’s innocent or guilty.

The story has been created by DBY founder Becky Brooks, who says she’s delighted to be showcasing the concept in such a stunning main theatre space for the first time.

“We’ve been going 10 years, mainly doing more intimate studio spaces with audiences of up to 100 people, so this is our first one taking the company to the next step,” she says.

“That’s really exciting for us because we’re a grassroots theatre company, we’ve never had any funding. It’s literally all been through word of mouth and customers loving what we do, and working with amazing local artists and venues like the Everyman.

“Shakespeare North contacted us about doing it in a bigger space and Siobhan, the head of producing, is very much about championing local theatre companies and artists, and female writers as well.

“The story is based when Shakespeare would have been alive and the theatre is a replica of a space that people would have gone to for entertainment at that time, so it just works so perfectly.”

The City of Curses - Shakespeare North - The Guide Liverpool — Picture – Olivia Carroll

While she was writing The City of Curses, Becky spent time researching the notorious Pendle witch trials and the stories of women who were accused.

“There was a lot of religious and economic uncertainty and the accusation of witchcraft, mostly against women, was a way of blaming and controlling people,” she explains.

“Our main character is based on the stories of a lot of women of that time who were targeted because they didn’t fall in line with the status quo for whatever reason. If they spoke out, they were told ‘you’ve got the demon inside you.’

“Bradshaw, who is our judge, is based on a real life judge who was known for executing people and I’ve villainised him a bit more, and there are lots of genuine historical nods right through the play.”

Becky says although this murder mystery trial has a bigger setting than usual DBY shows, the elements fans love have been adapted to fit.

“The story centres around a homeless lady who wanders into the village, she ends up sleeping with a married man and gets accused of witchcraft but during a trial a murder takes place.

Shakespeare North Playhouse — Credit: Meg Terzza

“Either she did it or one of the other suspects and it’s the audience’s job to work out who and get to the truth.

“We get the audience chanting and riled up, and then there’s a twist, and we’re hoping they’ll really enjoy being part of that immersive experience.

“There is a chance to ask some questions during the show, and we have a jury which we’re selecting from the audience so there are elements of everyone being able to have their say and make decisions.

“The audience can take notes and discuss it, and there’s a short pause before the big reveal for them to chat and decide on who they think is guilty.

“Even though we’re now in this iconic building, which is a dream for me as a writer, it’s still an interactive show and we know it’s really satisfying for people to come to their own conclusions then be able to go ‘I was right about that!’.”