“The Masquerade Murder Mystery Party will be held at Ravenswood Castle (aka Eden Killer Whale Museum), and is based on a game I purchased from the USA,” Mr Dickenson said.

“Everyone who buys a ticket is given a new persona, and attends the party in disguise. So they leave their real name and calling behind, and adopt their new persona at the door.”

Mr Dickenson said there are 40 formal characters in the game, one of whom is a designated victim and one a murderer. 

Mr Dickenson will be the only one in the room who knows who is filling both roles, so for the rest of the party-goers it’s a test of sleuthing and crime solving.

“The victim will be stabbed,” Mr Dickenson said. “There will be a forensic examination of the murder site, and whoever solves it will be awarded a certificate accordingly.

“We’ll have fake blood and all that sort of thing...not too cheery, but lots of fun!”

EKWM volunteer Margaret Sheaves is Mr Dickenson’s hench-woman for the night, and wanted to reassure there’s life after death, and more than one way to play the game.

“The murdered victim will become a ghost, they can keep partying, they don’t have to lie in a coffin all night,” Ms Sheaves laughed.

“And not everyone is dressing up. Some people are attending just as themselves,and there will be normal party activities as well.”

Ms Sheaves said all proceeds will go towards fund-raising for a mural on the Eden Scout Hall – which is the EKWM 2016/17 focus charity – and Eden locals are encouraged to buy the last of the tickets and come along.

“The party will showcase the fact that this is our museum, that it belongs to everyone in the local community,” Ms Sheaves said.

“ I’m really looking forward to it...I’ve never played a masquerade murder night, have you?”

The party is for adults and BYO. Tickets are $20 and party-goers are asked to bring a plate of finger-food along to share.

For ticket purchase and more information call Jack Dickenson on 0407963036.