On Saturday, August 31, while most people went about their usual evening routines, a group of local residents gathered at the Queen’s Head in the Landgate for an unforgettable murder mystery party, celebrating the birthdays of three sisters, daughters of the Rye resident Dena Smith Ellis: Bailey Givens, Shannon Higgins and Liberty Givens. The event transported the attendees back to 1747, immersing them into the world of smuggling, intrigue and betrayal that once gripped Rye in the throes of its storied past.
The party featured a gripping storyline, written by Bailey Givens and Dena Smith Ellis, set in the heart of Rye with participants assigned secret identities, leaving it up to each character to sleuth out the truth behind the unfolding chaos. The narrative, woven from Rye’s rich history of smuggling and crime, brought to life the conflicts between the infamous Hawkhurst Gang (ruling from their favourite haunt, the Queen’s Head), the justice-seeking Riding Officers and the towns beleaguered citizens, who were getting increasingly uneasy about the violence of the Hawkhurst Gang.
To add to the problem the queen and king decided to raise taxes which the mayor of Rye passed on to the citizens. Butcher John Breed was enraged and vowed revenge as he thought they had a good relationship. But in a twist of fate he kills the mayor’s daughter who wore her mother’s coat on her way home from a secret meeting with the admiral of the Riding Officers. The Riding Officers and Goudhurst Militia, led by the newly appointed leaders, William and Alice Sturt, work tirelessly to uncover the truth. In the meantime, the Breeds conspire to reflect blame onto others hoping to avoid prosecution. The admiral confronts a suspected murderer, only to be killed himself.
This marks a turning point for the townspeople and they sever their allegiance to the smugglers, many of whom get killed, the real murderers being uncovered too late for them. Rye is left to come to terms with the aftermath of its dark and lawless past.
A spirited and resounding successful night, attendees embracing their roles and the intricate storyline. The evening was a testament to Rye’s enduring spirit – a community, even in the face of fictional adversity, knows how to come together for a good story with a touch of improvised theatrical mischief, and have a great time.
Image Credits: Graham Ellis .