Benedict Cumberbatch, Gillian Anderson and more in Whodunnit [Unrehearsed] 3 at Park Theatre

Park Theatre - Whodunnit 3 poster

Park Theatre is set to host the third edition of the rib-tickling and unpredictable Whodunnit [Unrehearsed], a fundraising murder mystery event, from 27 March to 4 May 2024.

This year’s production promises an even more thrilling experience with a lineup of over 45 celebrities, including new additions like Benedict Cumberbatch, Beverley Knight, Adrian Lester, and Jodie Whittaker.

Each performance will feature a different celebrity guest in the starring role of the Inspector, a twist that has become a hallmark of this unique event. These guest stars will tackle their role without prior rehearsal or script knowledge, relying solely on an earpiece feeding them their lines in real-time. The identity of the celebrity performing each night remains a closely guarded secret until the moment the curtain rises, adding an element of surprise for the audience.

The voice talents of Richard Kind will be joining Sir Ian McKellen to provide narration for this exciting fundraiser. Confirmed guests returning to the stage as the unsuspecting Inspector include: Clive Anderson, Gillian Anderson, David Baddiel, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Marcus Brigstocke, Brian Cox, Simon Callow, Michelle Collins, Nina Conti, Victoria Coren Mitchell, Les Dennis, Adrian Dunbar, Mark Gatiss, Tamsin Greig, David Haig, Harry Hill, Adam Hills, Ronan Keating, Ross Kemp, Maureen Lipman, Gareth Malone, Jason Manford, Stephen Mangan, Tim McInnerny, David Mitchell, Neil Morrissey, Eddie Nestor, Sue Perkins, Clarke Peters, Daisy Ridley, Rob Rinder, Meera Syal, Tony Robinson, Catherine Tate, Sandi Toksvig, Johnny Vegas, Tim Vine and Greg Wise.

Amanda Abbington, Asim Chaudhry and Christopher Biggins are their latest additions with more to be announced.

Apart from the celebrity-led spectacle, a permanent company of seasoned actors will be integral to each performance. This includes returning company members from previous Whodunnit runs Lewis Bruniges, Caroline Deverill, Molly Barton, Robert Blackwood and Natasha Colenso. New additions include Anshula Bain, Ciarán Dowd and Matthew Romain.

Set against a backdrop of murder and mystery aboard a train, this year’s edition, titled “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” promises murder, mayhem, and a hint of magical intrigue. After each show, the celebrity guest will participate in a post-show Q&A, allowing the audience to delve deeper into the making of this unique theatrical experience.

This fundraiser, marking the close of Park Theatre’s 10th anniversary year, aims to address the challenges of rising costs in live theatre production and venue operation amidst the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Park Theatre, which operates without regular public funding, will use the proceeds to maintain accessibility, support emerging writers, and continue offering free classes for those with dementia and their carers.

For more information and tickets, visit www.parktheatre.co.uk

About the author: Josh Darvill

Josh is Stageberry's editor with over five years of experience writing about theatre in the West End and across the UK. Prior to following his passion for musicals, he worked for more than a decade as a TV journalist.

 

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