MysteryVisits
provides a few answers about its
Sherlock Holmes Mystery Weekends.
Staged in Septembers at The Victorian Villa Inn
* John C. Sherwood, artistic director *
* What happens during a Sherlock Holmes Mystery Weekend?
Well ... we're not going to tell you! After all, it's supposed to be a mystery, isn't it? We believe challenging entertainment is the most memorable. Have you ever wondered about the self-contradiction of advertisements for other "murder-mystery" events that reveal far too much about what happens? You already know that there's going to be a murder! At a MysteryVisits mystery event, you *never* know about the nature of a case until you find yourself enmeshed in it! In fact, while many people seem to think that a murder *always* is staged during such events, in Sherlock Holmes's experience, the cases that do *not* involve murder often can be the most baffling. So, expect anything! Suspect everyone!
* Do I have to know a lot about Sherlock Holmes?
Actually, few people who come to our mystery events have done their "homework" by reading Dr. Watson's chronicles extensively. Of course, a lot of them *have* done so -- and some of our visitors are members of various Baker Street Irregulars scion societies. However, the vast majority of those who get involved aren't particularly knowledgable about Mr. Holmes's career or Watson's accounts. Nor do they need to be. As long as you can observe, deduce, think quickly, rely on your own resources and enjoy a hot pursuit, you'll be in great company! But -- beware. If you haven't read much about Holmes, you may *think* you know a great deal about him, from either movies and television. If so, you may be in for a rude awakening. Mr. Holmes is exactly as presented in Dr. Watson's accounts -- an inveterate smoker (despite any no-smoking rules), irrascible, caustic, interested in and knowledgeable about an amazing number of topics, fiercely intent and utterly addicted to problems of all kinds!
* Do you restage the original Holmes mysteries?
Heavens, no. What would be the point of that? First of all, so many people would have read those accounts and would know the solutions. Secondly, there's no need. The world has plenty of criminal activity of its own. There's no need to stage a thing.
* What will I have to do?
It's all up to you. You can participate as much (or as little) as you
like. You will be asked to act as Mr. Holmes's "Baker Street Irregulars"
for the weekend, and if you wish to help out in the hope of reward, you
may do so at the level of your interest. All rules and guidelines will be
provided at the time. You may dress in period costume if you wish, too,
although most of our guests dress casually.
* How will I know which of the people is an actor or not?
What a strange question! As far as we know, no one is "acting"
in our mysteries. Mr. Holmes *is* Mr. Holmes. Dr. Watson *is* Dr. Watson.
Irene Adler Norton *is* indeed Irene Adler Norton. Besides, if you knew that others were "actors," then there wouldn't be much mystery, would there?
* How do the events begin and end?
Ah! We can answer this one because of our 12 years of experience.
Mr. Holmes and Dr. Watson are creatures of habit. They generally
arrive on Friday evenings about 7 p.m. If they want to share one of their
cases, they will do so before they leave, which is usually before 10:30 p.m. You will be left to your own devices until Mr. Holmes returns on Saturday about 10 a.m. Generally, he will remain with you all
day Saturday until about 10 p.m. You'll have until noon Sunday to recover
from your experience.
* Will I play a role or a character?
If you already are something of a character -- be yourself. We won't
ask anything more of you!
* When are meals?
That depends largely on where the MysteryVisits event is being presented. At The Victorian Villa Inn, meals are always part of the overall package; breakfasts, dinners and high teas are included. We suggest that you talk to the Inn's staff about that subject, as MysteryVisits doesn't get deeply involved in the culinary aspect of your weekend.
* May younger people attend?
A young person who is mature and understands the compelling world
of Sherlock Holmes is likely to be captivated by an experience with MysteryVisits. Mr. Holmes often has relied on the aid of young people -- his original "Irregulars" -- in the solution of his cases. The Villa is no exception in this regard. While the mysteries themselves may deal with unpleasant subject matter, generally people are protected from the more gory results of the crimes that are perpetrated.
An amazing story - From Ronald J. Gibson, owner of The Victorian Villa Inn
"Adventures and Lessons" - A speech given to the Criterion Bar Association
by Mr. Sherlock Holmes
"Sherlockian Pastisches: The Dilemma" - A defense of new fictional tales of The Master
by Mr. John Sherwood, artistic director for The Victorian Villa Inn
(With thanks to Kris Preacher at www.geocities.com!)
Inaugural years of our original Sherlock Holmes events:
* 1987: "The Adventure of the Nameless Corpse"
* 1988: "The Adventure of the Crying Woman"
* 1989: "The Adventure of the Insidious Attack"
* 1990: "The Adventure of the Hateful Brothers"
* 1991: "The Adventure of the Twofold Enigma"
* 1992: "The Adventure of the Disruptive Villager"
* 1993: "The Adventure of the Unknown Voice"
* 1994: "The Adventure of the Vile Descendant"
* 1995: "The Adventure of the Borgia Curse"
* 1997: "The Adventure of the Duplicitous Agent"
* 1998: "The Adventure of the Maniac Murders"
Click on HOME for MysteryVisits' BAKER STREET PAGE.