Murder Mystery and Immersive Theatre in Sussex

Sussex has become a central hub for crime fiction fans and those who enjoy immersive theatre. Whether you are looking for a large-scale stage production or a more intimate, interactive experience where you get to play detective, there are several options currently available across the region. One of the most notable events is the world premiere of the stage adaptation Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger's Drift. Directed by Guy Unsworth and based on Caroline Graham’s novel, this production brings the familiar atmosphere of the ITV series to the stage. It features Daniel Casey, who played Sergeant Troy in the original television show, now stepping into the role of DCI Barnaby, while James Bradwell takes on the role of Sergeant Troy. The play has already visited the Theatre Royal Brighton earlier this year and is scheduled to appear at the Devonshire Park Theatre in Eastbourne from 18 November to 22 November 2026. Other national tour dates include stops in Bromley, Darlington, Manchester, Dublin, and Bath throughout May and June 2026.

For those who prefer a more hands-on approach to solving crimes, the Murder Trial Tonight IV - Death of a Landlord experience offers a different kind of evening. Produced by Tigerslane Studios, this immersive courtroom drama puts the audience in the position of the jury. You spend the evening listening to evidence from both the prosecution and defense before being asked to deliver a verdict of guilty or not guilty. The actual outcome of the case is only revealed on screen at the very end of the performance. A local show is set to take place at the Congress Theatre in Eastbourne on 17 May 2026. If you are looking for something even more localized in Brighton, Brighton Murder Mystery operates out of The World's End Pub. Their experience, titled "The Prince's Panic," involves an escape room format where participants act as a jury to solve a murder, with prices starting at £18.00 per person.

Beyond these specific shows, there are several companies providing private and customizable murder mystery events throughout Sussex. PIP Entertainment, led by Wendy Adams Evans, organizes interactive nights in Brighton, Chichester, and further afield. They use professional actors and offer themes ranging from the 1920s to the modern day, which are often booked for corporate events or private parties. Similarly, Simply Good Times Events in Brighton hosts murder mysteries in private dining rooms or chosen venues, with costs starting around £30 per person for groups of 25. For those in West Sussex, Eventsense serves as a directory to find specific event packages in the Worthing area.

The Devonshire Park Theatre in Eastbourne is particularly active with crime-themed programming this year. In addition to the Midsomer Murders production, the venue is hosting several other plays including Dial M for Murder from 2 July to 11 July 2026, Time and Time Again in late July, and Death by Fatal Murder in early September. The season concludes with the long-running classic The Mousetrap, which will be performed from 16 November to 21 November 2026. These various offerings provide a range of ways to engage with the mystery genre, from traditional theatre-going to fully interactive jury simulations.