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An audience of 40, each given their own detailed character to play, gather for a dinner in honour of the famed (but fictional) schlock-horror film star Vincent Lyce. But after Vincent's sudden and suspicious death, what begins as a convivial gathering of Vincent's friends and associates quickly becomes an evening of mystery, murder and intrigue.

That's the setting for Simon Robinson and Leone White's rather unusual theatre restaurant show Vincent Lyce's Final Curtain - a sort of How to Host a Murder Mystery party writ large. It's an ambitious project and I was quite curious to see just how well it would work. Most of all I wanted to know how much of the show would hinge on the audience's participation.

The show's creators have obviously put a lot of thought into the mechanics of it all. After guests book, they are allocated a character for the evening, with a history that explains how they know Vincent, as well as a costume suggestion and in some cases an objective to complete during the show. I was Dr Persius Chumnumnut, an egyptologist with a love of musical theatre who had lent his skills as a historical consultant to a rather dubious series of ancient egyptian-themed musicals (eg The Mummies Sing Again) in which Vincent had also been involved.

The whole tone of the show is a self-parody of low-brow, no-taste, overblown melodrama - a deliciously cringeful blend of Carry On humour and Agatha Christie storytelling. There is plenty of material for the audience to work with and guests are invited to play their character as much or as little as they choose. Meanwhile, the key cast interact with the audience as they pull the narrative along.

Without giving too much away, Chloe Connelly was the clear crowd favourite with her saucy portrayal of Vincent's new wife Cecilia Crumpett. Geoffrey Thorsen was another standout as Vincent's illegitimate son Septimus, a rather enigmatic role in which a physical, almost feral personality gives way to ulterior motives and surprising musical talent. Creators Robinson and White also have starring roles.

If the audience did not participate at all, the show would still work, in the sense that it would get from A to B with little difficulty. It just wouldn't be much fun. The main story, while suitably outlandish and frequently funny, is fairly pedestrian. It's really the opportunities it presents for unscripted hilarity that make the evening enjoyable and memorable.

This could've been made clearer from the outset. The way the show begins sets it up as more of a spectator experience, and as guests are led, a little baffled, to their tables, the first interactions are awkward and a bit forced. The story is punctuated by three courses of dinner, which do provide good opportunities to socialise, though the temptation is to do so as yourself rather than in character. Things livened up considerably as the evening (and the drinks) kept flowing, which leads me to believe that some sort of objective-led interactive activity early on would help establish a level of comfort and enthusiasm which would better propel the proceedings.

The dinner itself, provided by Queens Loft, was superb, as was the service. The meals were also well-timed, suggesting tight co-operation between the restaurant and the show's producers. During the meals, the key cast sat at their own table and interacted while still in character, while some occasionally wandered the tables and engaged guests in conversation.

If I have one major criticism it is that at several times it felt like there was a lack of focus, either because too much was happening at once, or too little. Much of this was due to the audience not being entirely sure what was expected of them - when to talk, when to listen, where to look. However, I suspect these are problems easily solved by a clearer introduction and the judicious use of sound and lighting cues.

On the whole, Vincent Lyce's Final Curtain is a refreshingly original addition to Melbourne's theatre scene. A fun social outing that includes a good meal and a chance to indulge your silly side, it's ideal for parties and groups on the lookout for something a bit different. The show's creators also run Vincent Lyce's sister production A Dinner To Die For.


Bare Elements Productions present
Vincent Lyce's Final Curtain

Venue: Queen's Loft* | 133 Queensbridge St, Southbank
Dates: 25 March - 17 April, 2010
Times: Thu, Fri & Sat 7.30pm
Duration: 150 minutes
Bookings: 03 9698 8011

* Licensed venue. Under 18s must be accompanied by a Parent or Legal Guardian.