The Story
It’s 1952, and P. U. Barnhum’s world-famous three-ring circus has come to Podunk! The town is overwhelmed by the excitement, the lights, the animals, and the—dead body of the ringmaster. Yes, there lies Rhett Coate, shot to death right in the center ring. The circus owner, P. U. Barnhum, is in a tizzy.
Was the murderer a fellow circus performer, like Malcolm Laff the clown, or the trapeze act Jess Fling/Ann Ketch? Was it one of the carnival attractions, like Christa Bawle the fortuneteller or Isalotta Herr the bearded lady? Or maybe it was a member of the audience like Arlo Kell, someone with cause to dread the reappearance of a Podunkian who ran off to join the circus…
But hold onto your popcorn—the murderer may be YOU!
Appropriate for ages 13+!
Mentions of drugs, alcohol, adultery, sexual references, gambling, hunting, fat-shaming
This game takes 1-2 hours to play depending on your group size.
**For personal use only. If you would like to host a public event using one of our games, please contact us at support@broadwaymurdermysteries.com to discuss licensing.
The mystery is built to be played by 4-20+ characters, ANY of whom could be the murderer and each have gripping motives for murder. **Additional guests can play as “detectives” who ask questions each round and guess the killer at the end!
| Ann Ketch | she/her | A glamorous trapeze artist |
| Annie Croakley | she/her | Sharpshooter |
| Arlo Kell | he/him | Podunkian audience member |
| Baby B. Babar | she/her | Lead Elephant Rider |
| Blaise N. Thoreaute | any | Carnival Fire Eater |
| Carrack D. Whipp | he/him | Lion tamer |
| Christa Bawle | she/her | Carnival Fortune-Teller |
| Droppin Plopp | any | Hardworking sweeper |
| Isalotta Herr | she/her | Carnival Bearded Lady |
| Janosz Addel | she/her | Bareback rider from Europe |
| Jess Fling | he/him | A vain trapeze artist |
| Malcolm Laff | he/him | A zany clown |
| Mayor Primm | any | Podunk official |
| Pops McSalty | he/him | Veteran popcorn vendor |
| PU Barnhum | any | Greatest showperson, circus owner |
| Ray Zetent | he/him | New Roustabout |
| Tango Splatt | any | Human Cannonball |
| Totha Lyon | she/her | Tightrope Walker |
| Trey Sepp | he/him | Carnival Strong Man |
| Yoyo Kell | she/her | Podunkian audience member |
OUR PHYSICAL KITS ARE PRINTED PHYSICAL VERSIONS OF OUR MOST POPULAR GAMES! NO PRINTING REQUIRED!
- In-Person Host Guide with Detailed Instructions (and video) on How to Host and Play the Game
- Access to our Host Dashboard with Helpful Resources and BONUS Downloadable Versions of All the Game Files
- Access to our Evite Tool to Send Your Guests Information About Your Party with the Theme & Character Details Automatically Input for You! Guests will also receive a link to our Guest Dashboards with helpful resources and links to recommend costume pieces for their character (dressing up is always optional)
- 20 Character Booklets with Information for Each Character to Reveal Throughout the Game
- Printed Evidence in Full Color
- Evidence Booklet with Detective Script and Links to the Host Dashboard Where You Can Play the Detective Videos Performed by Broadway Actors!
- Question Menu with Questions for Players to Ask Each Character
- Who Did It Slips to Assign the Murderer In Person
- Award Certificates to Give Out Awards for Best Performance, Best Costume, and More!
