REVIEW: Solve Along A Murder She Wrote

Updated: Jun 27

Solve Along A Murder She Wrote

By Tim Benzie

Tyne Theatre and Opera House

Newcastle-upon-Tyne

23 June 2023

Not reviewed: Just for fun - but I need to say a few words!!

When I booked to see 'Solve Along A Murder She Wrote' at Newcastle's Tyne Theatre and Opera House, I didn't realise it would be playing much closer to home at the 2023 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. No matter - it gave me a reason to visit a new theatre for the first time and to get an advanced viewing of the Fringe show!

There are a few variations of the show 'Solve Along A Murder She Wrote', each based on a different classic episode of the TV show. The version I saw in Newcastle, and fortuitously the show coming to the Fringe, are one and the same: “Sing a Song of Murder”.

Hosted by Murder She Wrote superfan Tim Benzie, the audience watches an episode of the TV show along with Tim who stops the action frequently to ensure there is lots of fun and interactivity. The show has gained a cult following and there were plenty of fans of both the TV series and the theatre show in the audience.

Solve along a murder she wrote Tim Benzie

I do feel that Solve Along A Murder She Wrote would be enjoyed most by fans of the show and / or fans of Angela Lansbury. But even as someone with no experience of the TV series at all, I was drawn in by the enthusiasm and downright joy exuded by the magnetic host, Tim Benzie. You can't help but like him and there is no doubting his love for the original TV show and the theatre show that he has created from it.

I can see this doing well at Edinburgh Fringe: Tim is funny and welcoming, and the singalong theme tune he has written is fantastic! More relaxing and wholesome than many shows on offer at the Fringe, if you are at all a fan of Murder She Wrote or of old fashioned cosy murder mysteries, this might just be your cup of tea.

Edinburgh Fringe 2023 promo:

Cult hit event, Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote has come to town! Don’t miss an interactive screening of the classic Murder, She Wrote episode “Sing a Song of Murder”.

Jessica Fletcher heads to London, but soon gets caught up in a murder mystery only she (or you!) can solve… Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote is a unique and hilarious night featuring games, prizes and audience participation, with special permission from NBC Universal Television.

Rated one of 2019 and 2021’s 50 Great Nights Out in London by Time Out, Tim’s fun-filled show has played to sell-out crowds across the UK and Australia.

Hosted by super-fan Tim Benzie, embrace your inner detectives as Solve-Along-A- Murder-She-Wrote features:

* A race to solve to the crime, via the Fameometer and the Suspiciometer (two highly professional detective tools … )

* A singalong to the theme tune with new lyrics

* Clips and biogs of the campy guest stars

Premiering at London’s Royal Vauxhall Tavern in 2018, the show has now toured the UK, Ireland and Australia to rave reviews and sell-out crowds. The show has played venues as varied as the Theatre Royal Nottingham and the Brewers Bar Manchester, with residences including the Prince Charles Cinema, Leicester Square.

Tim is delighted to be bringing the show to the Fringe for the very first time in 2023 as part of a UK tour.

Suitable for all 16+