Audiences turn detectives to help vulnerable

A murder mystery evening will be staged by students and staff at Mount Kelly College in Tavistock to support people with mobility issues and to reduce social isolation.

The ‘Mystery on the Moor’ event on Saturday, September 12 will raise money for TASS (Tavistock Area Support Services).

College students regularly volunteer for TASS at regular events as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme programme and the school’s own community engagement.

Guests are invited to dress smart evening wear or appropriately gothic period costume if they wish.

The event was the brainchild of Deb Morris, TASS manager, who also wrote the play.

She said: “I had the idea for the event and Mount Kelly College leapt on the concept and organised the staging, the acting, the ticketing and the casting. Students and staff and the drama and English departments and other areas of the college are involved.

“We’re very grateful to the college for enthusiastically embracing the event. They’ve thrown themselves into every aspect of staging it. We’re especially thankful to the students who have been supporting us through recent years in our day-to-day work.

“They come in for our Christmas lunches, to serve food, while the music students play live to entertain our users. They are also really good fun to have along, they go above their duty and are cheerful and take the time to chat to our guests and really make a difference to their time here at TASS.”

Belinda Whittleworth, Mount Kelly College teacher, said: “We hope the murder mystery event will bring together members of the local community for an enjoyable night of mystery and fundraising, while highlighting the outstanding efforts of our young people. The pupils currently partake in various service activities at TASS as part of their Duke of Edinburgh awards, or simply volunteer just to help out in the community.”

Guests will put their detective skills to the test during an entertaining evening of intrigue, suspense and community spirit, with Mount Kelly pupils taking centre stage as the suspects in a thrilling whodunnit.

Belinda added: “The actors involved are directed by Isabel Brehmer, in Year 13, and already a veteran thespian on our stage. Likewise, the performers are highly talented and professional, having engaged in many of our productions over their academic journeys. Guests will follow the clues, question the characters and work together to solve the mystery while enjoying delicious cheeses and wine and most importantly, raising vital funds.”

College BTEC drama student Isabel, 17, has also been scouring the charity shops of Tavistock for props and costumes for the play she is directing and in which she plays a nun.

She said: “I’m very happy to help with this murder mystery evening. I already volunteer for TASS and enjoy chatting to the people I meet. I’ve helped paint the TASS café mural and helped with the TASS lunch club. Now I’m helping raise funds for their vital work.”

More information on the murder mystery evening from Deb Morris on this email: [email protected]