The Kent and East Sussex Railway (KESR) has added an extra date for its railway whodunnit, after tickets for the four scheduled performances sold out.

The Murder Mystery is immersive and interactive, and is set on the award-winning heritage railway. It will be performed on board selected evening train services.

The Bexhill Light Operatic and Dramatic Society (BLODS) – the community theatre company that wrote and performs the mystery – has worked with the Railway’s Visitor Experience Manager, Heather Packham, to agree a new date of Friday 18 September. Tickets are now available for the new show.

The show is set in the 1950s, before what is now the Kent and East Sussex Railway originally closed. Its story centres on the murder of a railway signaller, and features a cast of characters drawn from local railway and town history.

Passengers become detectives for the evening, as they question suspects, examine evidence and try to uncover the identity of the killer before it is revealed at the end of the evening. Actors move through the train’s carriages to drop clues and prompt discussions about ‘whodunnit’. Every passenger will receive a police-style evidence pack, and they are encouraged to talk with other passengers to figure out their theories as to who the killer is. The actors improvise, responding to interrogation from passengers.

The Railway describes the show as “Packed with intrigue, deception and performed against the atmospheric backdrop of the heritage railway”.

Passengers can also dine as they play detective, as they have the option of booking a delicious two-course dinner when they buy their tickets. Dinner will be served to them at their seats as they travel through the Wealden countryside.

Kent and East Sussex Railway is also reminding people of its forthcoming ‘Off and On’ comedy show on Thursday 20 August. Its events later this year include a Halloween ‘Fright Night’.

“We’ve been blown away by the positive response from our audiences so far and we’re delighted that BLODS are able to offer us an additional date.”

Heather Packham, Visitor Experience Manager for the Kent & East Sussex Railway

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