Edinburgh Fringe 2026 - Spotlight On: The Detective's Demise

This 'Edinburgh Fringe - Spotlight On' series takes a look at the shows I will be reviewing at this year's festival and a 5-question Q&A with the creative teams. 

📸 Received from Press Team

Show Synopsis: "Sell-out murder mystery comedy musical returning to the Fringe! 

New songs. New Twists. New Turns. 

Detective Ben Stone is murdered at his own birthday party, snuffed out like candles on a cake. Five suspects have means, motive and opportunity, but with the detective lying "stone" dead, Ben's protege, sleuth Penelope Puck, must take on the investigation... 

With showstopping songs and devilish twists, Penelope attempts to solve the jaw-dropping murder, as ever more ridiculous motives are uncovered one by one – until the killer is finally revealed... Expect crimes, rhymes and good times!"

Q&A With Tom Rolph - Writer

Q: What inspired you to create this show?

A: I have a love for murder mysteries and musicals and I had never seen them combined in the jolly, fun, very British way that I find most entertaining.

Q: What can audiences expect when they come to see the show at Edinburgh Fringe?

A: Audiences can expect 1 hour 20 minutes of catchy tunes, endless jokes, and a healthy portion of murder. I think to come in expecting a grand moral message would certainly be a mistake, but our aim generally is to give an astoundingly fun way to escape the outside world and enjoy yourself with some chaotic escapism until you head back out into the rain!

3 Words: Crimes, Rhymes, Good-times (bit of a cheat)”

Q: What makes this show unique or different from other shows at the Fringe?

A: I’ve never seen another murder mystery musical a the Edinburgh Fringe and we have been taking this one up for the last 3 years, each year making improvements and adding great new twists and songs!

The show has been performed over 30 times already at the Edinburgh and we have almost the exact same cast we started with!

Q: What has been the most exciting part of bringing this production to Edinburgh Fringe?

A: We’ve been seeing people posting about being excited to RETURN to the show. It fills us with an incredible amount of pride to know that people are excited to watch it again and we’re looking forward to surpassing what they remember!

Q: Why should audiences add your show to their Fringe schedule this year?

A: Because our show is a funny, exciting, non-stop musical that is packed with passion! (Also some days are selling out!)

A Murder Mystery: The Detective's Demise runs at Just The Fancy Room at Just The Tonic at The Caves from 6th to 30th August at 17:50.