[AD – PR invite*]
★★★★
A company that I’ve wanted to see at the Edinburgh Fringe for years is Highly Suspect, who are based in Cumbria. Known for their interactive murder mysteries, this year they have two shows at theSpaceUK: ABBAsolute Murder and Knives In. Intrigued by the idea that the first show is set during the fictional Continental Song Contest and featuring former winners BABA (yes really), 2026 felt like the right time to finally take part in one of their murder mysteries and I was impressed by the company’s attention to detail and commitment to audience participation.
About the show
The audience enters Theatre 1 at theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall for the live recording of this year’s contest and a host and various contestants are in attendance. Characters aptly named Hugh Eurovision (host), Hans Oopintheair (Germany), Hoda Layheihoo (Sweden) and Wyatt Mencantrap (Estonia) welcome guests in, sharing their reason for being there at the start. The group are excited because half of BABA is making a return, but for some reason the pair don’t make it onto the stage in time for their performance. The audience quickly learns that the singers have been murdered and it’s time to catch the killer.
Thoughts on the overall experience
This group of performers are Fringe regulars and they totally know how to engage an audience through eccentric characters. Their murder mystery shows are clearly meticulously planned and ABBAsolute Murder includes a detailed activity pack, filled with various clues and puzzles. From the pun-filled opener where the contestants are introduced, to the follow up interventions which steer spectators, the 1 hour 5 minute running time flies past. Whilst I think the concept is so creative and brilliantly acted, the amount of activities in the pack is ever so slightly overwhelming and if anything, ABBAsolute Murder is a little too complex for the length of running time. I would have loved an extra 10 minutes to explore the clues and written material a bit more and fully appreciate all of the resources that the company has created.
Interactive theatre for all ages at the Fringe
Something fun and totally interactive to add to your EdFringe schedule this Summer, ABBAsolute Murder is ideal for budding sleuths and fans of highly engaging theatre. Bring your friends and settle in for a hilarious hour with these Fringe favourites. You can catch the show at Theatre 1 at theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall (venue 53) until 29th August (not 16th and 23rd). Performances start daily at 13:40, with tickets available via the festival’s website.
*My ticket for A Highly Suspect Murder Mystery: ABBAsolute Murder was gifted in exchange for an unbiased review.
Thanks so much for coming Kat! We really appreciate the review!