For how long have we been fascinated by magic and murder mysteries? In a way, what’s more extraordinary is not the exact length of time, but the continued ability for creatives to refresh and reinvent both.
Take The Death of Dr. Black. This isn’t necessarily breaking new ground in murder mysteries. There’s candlesticks and ropes, there’s a study. It feels familiar.
The magic, too, is relatively recognisable. Some prediction, some mentalism, one assumes a smattering of sleight of hand.
And yet, Andrew Stannard’s one-man immersive theatre show still feels fresh. It is also smart, fun, lovingly put together and really enjoyable.
Dr. Black is dead. That much is obvious before the audience arrives. What’s soon clear, also, is that everyone in attendance is under suspicion.
Detective Stannard, suitably attired in inspector garb, quizzes the guests. Copious notes are taken in a little notebook.
Inside the performing space, a stage is laid out with an interview table, littered with various evidence boxes, some chairs, a blackboard and a Rubiks cube in a jar. Confused? All will be explained. Or not!
Across the course of a set of cleverly-designed magic tricks, Stannard lays out some possible theories. Was it the professor, the thief or the gambler?
After a short break from the investigation, which is filled with another really neat trick, there is the inevitable denouement.
Cunningly, the audience appears to be in control of the verdict. Which makes the final reveal all the more satisfying.
Stannard has a relaxed and confident style. They’ve clearly taken a lot of care and attention over every element of this.
The production elements are way above usual fringe standards. The props are beautifully made and the show is neatly knitted together tech-wise.
Details matter, even when they are not necessarily part of the show’s main plot. For example, it was particularly cute to see the evidence box for the extra trick – a coffee cup murder – is labelled ‘suspect at grande’, not ‘suspect at large’!
The tricks all draw the requisite ‘oohs’, ‘ahhs’ and applause. They will have surely had audience members discussing and debating how they were done on the way home. Job done.
You’ll be hard pressed to find a more unique and fun fringe event this year. This is part of a long tradition, yes, but it’s also just a really good night out.
Playing until 3rd July 2025. For tickets and more information: https://greatermanchesterfringe.co.uk/events/the-death-of-dr-black/.
Reviewer: Peter Ruddick
Reviewed: 1st July 2025
North West End UK Rating:
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