Wallaceville Blog

BOOK NOW for the New Xmas Murder Mystery Show …

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:11:00 GMT

" Who killed the Fatman? A murder mystery…" – Book Now for the New Show on Friday 19 November, 2010.

Join Rudolf and the elves in Xmas hi-jinks that you are unlikely to forget as you attempt to delve into the murky mystery of who killed Santa.

Dinner guests are fully involved in a Xmas pudding of alibis and motives. Santa Claus may be coming to town… but he sure ain’t leaving!

This Xmas themed Dinner Show equally could have been called, “Fatty Goes Down!” or “Trouble at North Pole!” because someone is out to get “the Big Man in Red”! Who could hate Santa enough to want to kill him? Rudolf? One of the Elves? Jenny Craig?

Wallaceville House becomes Santa’s Lair at the North Pole; where ‘time’ works differently to the rest of the earth to allow Santa to work his Xmas magic; but it could all be happening right now – and your family Xmas could be in jeopardy! Santa murdered! Who will deliver the presents? Who will drink all of those glasses of milk and eat all those cookies?

We need your help! We are calling all amateur detectives - or people who just love hilarious ‘live’ entertainment with a wonderful Xmas menu of food and drink ( see the menu here >> ) – to Wallaceville House between 6.30 and 7pm on Friday 19 November.

Book your seats now to help save ‘Big Red’ from the murderer or at least catch the fiend by spotting clues from a cast of characters may include Rudolf, the drunk Reindeer with the Red Nose, Stinky the Pixie, the Christmas Fairy and, of course, Santa himself.

What? - “Who killed the Fatman? A murder mystery dinner/show
When? - Friday 19th November, 2010
Where? – Wallaceville House: 2 Wallaceville Road, Upper Hutt, Wellington
What Time? – Pre-dinner Drinks from 6.30pm – Actors start mingling 7.15pm
How Much? - Only $69 per person - includes both Dinner and Show
How do I Book or Find out more Info? – Phone 04) 527 7785 or email us … MurderMystery@wallacevillehouse.co.nz

So, if you really enjoy a good Murder Mystery Dinner Show - or you’re looking for “different night out” for your Xmas work function, sports club or social gathering - then pick up the phone and dial (04) 527 7785 to check on dates or make your reservation.

Its great value at only $69 per person for both the Dinner and Show.

We will run ‘private functions’ for groups of 30 or more. Smaller groups are welcome to join one of our public nights.

Cheers,

Lynne Graham.

FINALLY REVEALED: The Killer was ‘Flaco’ – the flamboyant Striker!

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 14:22:00 GMT

Wallaceville House Murder Mystery Dinner Shows - In Association with “The Improvisors”

Dear Blog Reader,

Barry Cawood, is a man who writes blogs for a living: about a myriad of subjects aimed at Internet surfers and information junkies. Barry recently attended one of our 'live' Murder Dinner Shows here at Wallaceville House and wrote a review for his blog readers.

I thought his very generous review might give you a 'taste' of what it is like to actually experience a Murder Mystery Dinner Show in person.

FINALLY REVEALED: The Killer was ‘Flaco’ – the flamboyant Striker!

- Reviewed by Barry Cawood, Internet Blogger/ Reviewer/ Writer.

So ‘Flaco’ murdered the Coach! OR did he?

Well, he was certainly ‘arrested and charged’ by the – oddly, American accented - Detective Inspector in charge of the case; in the superb Murder Mystery Show I recently had the pleasure to experience first-hand at Wallaceville House.

With hindsight we should have spotted him sooner but – in our defence – he was SO loud and obvious he was almost ‘hidden in plain sight’.

‘Flaco’ the irresistible and sexually charged ( at least in his own mind ) forward of the Santa Bernadino Football team – with an ego the size of a football stadium. ‘Flaco’, the man who wouldn’t let anyone get in his way ‘on’ the field – turned out to have the same feelings ‘off’ the field as well.

His obvious disdain of anyone who didn’t worship at his boots made him seem, well, comical. See above the 'pose' he gave me for my photo of him!

Of course, he revealed his 'true colours' once he was finally caught when he boasted, "If you get in Flaco's way, one of two things gonna happen to you; you gonna get pregnant or you gonna get dead!"

Before that though, everyone in the audience just laughed and laughed at his arrogant innuendos and ruthless put-downs of ‘unwise hecklers’ in the audience. ( I say ‘unwise’ but the show would have been the poorer without these audience participations because they prompted some ‘inspired responses’ from the actors. )

While we howled at ‘Flaco’s’ hilarious ‘jibes’ at his ‘incompetent’ team-mates and haughty coach; while we laughed at his witty insults to the team staff and anyone foolish enough to try to match wits with him from the audience; he just seemed ‘too obvious’ to be the ‘explosive’ murderer who 'blew up' the much disliked Santa Bernadino team coach. While the nasty English team doctor, the bitter team baggage handler ( an ex-player ) and several other jealous players also had enough motive to be deemed ‘prime suspects’. My pick was the ‘baggage handler’ because his bitterness came across when he chatted to the people at our table – as the actors often did during the evening.

Fortunately, the American ‘Inspector’ wasn’t fooled by Flaco’s ‘braggadocio’( that's an Italian term for ‘a swaggering, cocky manner’ ). One lucky table of punters from the audience also saw through ‘Flaco’s’ smokescreen of his ‘Übermensch personality’ ( that's a German term for ‘acting like Superman’ ) and WON a ‘quality bottle of something alcoholic’ for their successful sleuthing ( that's an English term for ‘detective work’ ).

Before the show we ‘guests(slash)audience members’ all gathered for pre-dinner drinks in the downstairs bar of the suitably stylish Victorian mansion that is Wallaceville House. I have to say, that Wallaceville House - with its 'old world charm and being surrounded by native bush - is the perfect setting for a Murder Mystery. You would never know you were so close to the the heart of Wellington.

We were all buzzing with anticipation for this show. Many guests had joined in the ‘spirit of the occasion’ by dressing up in their favourite World Cup team colours and outfits. These people were obviously there for a ‘good time’ and it wasn’t long in coming.

After a while, the actors ( Greg Ellis and his Improvisers Team ) began mingling with the crowd; warming us up for the antics to come by introducing themselves ‘in character’ as the coach and key players in Santa Bernadino Football team. They began to sow seeds of suspicion and drop hints and clues as they interacted with the guests. Before we all went upstairs to Dinner, the Santa Bernadinian Football Team sang a very funny version of their ‘supposed’ National Song, with some improvised bits culled from audience members; such as, the proudest national characteristic, ‘cowardice’, or the best known export, ‘cocaine’, and the largest river, ‘the Nile’!

Then it was upstairs to our individually seated tables and the 'lovely first course' of our delicious meal - served buffet style - with loads of choice ( I particularly enjoyed some lovely baked fish with lemon pepper & Parmesan and some excellent roasted sirloin of beef with béarnaise sauce ) – and then on with the rest of the Murder Mystery Show.

Over the course of the evening, much hilarity ensued.

If you are NOT the kind of person who likes to push your ‘little grey cells’ too hard while out having fun: then don’t worry – this show is for you. It is more about the laughs, eccentric accents, odd-ball characters and the fun! The ‘mystery’ part of the show does not place high demands on you to solve clues or figure things out. I am sure that these guys change the ‘murderer’ at every show because - after all - they are called ‘The Improvisers’ and much of the show seems spontaneous and tailored to the mood and interaction of the audience.

Close to our tables was an excellent bar fully stocked with wine, beer or whatever you wanted to drink combined with some great food ( did I mention the ‘magic’ chocolate pudding? ) to make the ‘dinner’ part of the show a real success in my book. I thoroughly enjoyed my choices from the menu and wished I had a bit more room to try a few other choices. See the full menu and wine list here.

As for the ‘show’ part of the show: Greg Ellis and the ‘Improvisers’ are a very accomplished group of actors who gave us a fantastic evening of ‘live entertainment’; they made one woman at the table next to ours laugh so hard I thought she might wet herself. In short, this Murder Mystery show at Wallaceville House was a great big ‘rollicking’ good night out; best shared with a bunch of friends or work-mates.

Sadly, I have been informed - now that the FIFA Football World Cup is a pleasantly fading memory - Wallaceville House and ‘the Improvisers’ have decided to bring down the curtain on this year’s successful Winter Murder Mystery Season.

BUT - don’t be disappointed, because … they tell me that they are already developing their NEXT Murder Mystery show.

* WARNING! * Spoiler coming up * - A little ‘birdy’ has informed me that the Next Murder Mystery dinner show at Wallaceville House will be a 'Pre-Xmas Show' featuring the murder of some fat bloke who likes to wear a lot of red. But, you didn’t hear it from me, OK?

Barry Cawood

- Internet Blogger/ Reviewer/ Writer.

So, if you read that and can see yourself really enjoying a good Murder Mystery Dinner Show - or you’re looking for “different night out” for your Xmas work function, sports club or social gathering - then pick up the phone and dial (04) 527 7785 to check on dates or make your reservation.

Its great value at only $69 per person for both the Dinner and Show.

We will run ‘private functions’ for groups of 30 or more. Smaller groups are welcome to join in on one of our public nights.

Cheers,

Lynne Graham.

PS. More details on our new Pre-Xmas Murder Mystery show coming soon.

Real Murder committed at Murder Mystery Dinner Show?

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 08:10:00 GMT

- Fact! - Murder Mystery Dinner Shows are being performed at Wallaceville House!

- Fact! - Somebody is sending out emails to our friends and clients saying there is going to be a ‘real’ murder committed during the show!

- Fact! - Mysterious goings on are making me wonder whether its true!

- Fact! - I’m freaking out!

Sorry… maybe its all the pressure of organizing the new Murder Mystery Shows here at Wallaceville House. Or maybe it’s the fact that emails are going out from my computer and messages are appearing on Facebook from a ‘fictional’ character in the Show – ‘Death Takes a Penalty’ – saying that there is going to be a ‘real’ murder during the show.

That’s crazy, of course. It is just a fictional Show invented by Greg Ellis and his amazing team of actors, ‘The Improvisers’, from idea of mine to do a Murder Mystery Dinner Show based around the World Cup. ( Go - the All Whites! ) So, it is loony, right? No real murders will be occurring. Definitely.

But I wish I knew who was sending those messages. And I keep getting the feeling that someone has been snooping in my room. And some guests from South America keep complaining to my husband Bruce that someone has been moving items in their room or going through their suitcases. Over active imaginations? Must be.

No Doubt.

Definitely.

Anyway, this Murder Mystery is going to be a cracker!

If you haven’t already heard it is about a squad of players and management from the tiny ( fictional – definitely fictional ) South American country of ‘Santa Bernadino’. At their luxurious training facilities ( in Wallaceville House ) disaster and mayhem strike. There is foul play afoot and this time the ‘penalty is death’.

With a volatile mix of prima-donna players, conniving coaches and suspicious support staff mean guests have the work cut out for them to find the murderer. Or murderers. As the Show is improvised – that could turn out to be different at each Show.

Word has been spreading like wildfire and we have Sold Out 3 Shows already!

But don’t worry – we still have some seats left for the Show on Friday 16th of July - and we'll be announcing the next show date soon… it’s great value only $69 per person for Dinner and Show.

So, if you love a good Murder Mystery or you’re just looking for “different night out” for your sports club, work function or social gathering, then pick up the phone and dial ‘M’ for Murder!

Of course, that will just get you a ‘dead’ dial tone… so then dial (04) 527 7785 to confirm available dates and make your Murder Mystery Dinner reservation.

We will run ‘private functions’ for groups of 30 or more. Smaller groups are welcome to join in on one of our public nights.

Cheers,

Lynne Graham.

PS. Greg Ellis has created some ‘trailers’ to introduce some of the ‘suspicious’ and dangerous characters in ‘Death Takes a Penalty’ so check 3 of them here: http://www.wallacevillehouse.co.nz/MurderMysteries/tabid/2698/Default.aspx Otherwise search for ‘Death Takes a Penalty’ on YouTube.

Fictional murder mystery ‘Character’ becomes a real life detective !!!

Thu, 20 May 2010 04:38:00 GMT

Do you believe in miracles? I do – they happen! Recently a bolt of forked lightning struck Wallaceville castle’s lightning rod: it shot down into the tower laboratory and brought the fictional ‘Narrator’ of our new Murder Mystery to life! Yes – I mean real living, breathing and selfishly hogging the bathroom “life”…

What’s more… he thinks he is a detective… and that it’s his job to catch the murderer or murderers in the new Wallaceville House Murder Mystery, ‘Death Takes a penalty’…

NO – I’m not mad.

I have proof: this deranged ‘Narrator’s started hacking into my email, Facebook and Twitter communications and sending out “messages” in an attempt to enlist the aid of our regular Murder Mystery fans to help him solve the impending ‘crime’ or at least bring the murderer slash murderers to justice. My advice is: just play along with him. Like all creatures brought to life by lightning he is two bobbins short of a textile factory so – please – just humour him for now.

Until I can get the Police to take me seriously: let’s all just go with the flow. I have so much on my plate right now I really need you to help me out. I’ve got to finalize the planning of ‘Death Takes a Penalty’ with Greg Ellis and his great team of actors from the ‘Improvisors’, as well as arrange accommodation for this large contingent of sweaty South American football players who will be using Wallaceville House as a soccer training camp for a few months…. so everything’s a bit crazy here at the moment.

In fact, all this is making my head swim and sometimes it’s a bit hard to remember what’s real and what’s not… all I know is that while a lot of people are laughing, feasting and drinking someone is going to pay the penalty for crossing a murderer… that penalty will be ‘death’.

So, if you’re looking for “different night out” for your sports club, work function or social gathering, then pick up the phone and dial ‘M’ for Murder!

Of course, that will just get you a ‘dead’ dial tone… so then dial (04) 527 7785 to confirm available dates and make your Murder Mystery Dinner reservation.

We will run ‘private functions’ for groups of 30 or more. Smaller groups are welcome to join in on one of our public nights.

Cheers, Lynne Graham.

New Murder Mystery Theme is: ‘Death takes a Penalty’ …

Tue, 18 May 2010 22:46:00 GMT

We have planned the Murder.

It is going to take place this coming June. ( And July, August and September! )

Here is the scenario:

When the tiny South American Nation of ‘Santa Bernadino’ qualified for the 2010 World Cup the whole world was shocked. They’re about to be shocked again. At their luxurious training facilities ( Wallaceville House ) disaster and mayhem strike the hapless Santa Bernadinan team. There is foul play afoot and this time the ‘penalty is death’.

A volatile mix of prima-donna players, conniving coaches and suspicious support staff mean guests have the work cut out for them to find the murderer.

Once again, Greg Ellis, Artistic Director, and his crack team of actors, The Improvisors, tackle the murder mystery - and this time they’ve thrown the World Cup into the mix.

Whether you love or hate the beautiful game there’s plenty to love about “Death Takes A Penalty”. You get to put the performers on the spot and have them use your suggestions to fuel the double crosses, lies and alibis.

Come along to Wallaceville House - dressed to support your favourite World Cup team - and bring your detective skills with you. You’ll have an evening’s fun that’s sure to score.

If you are looking for something different for your next Sports Club Party, Staff Function or any social gathering, then pick up the phone and give us a call.

We are happy to run private functions for groups of 30 or more, or smaller groups are welcome to join one of our public nights.

Call us now on (04) 527 7785 - to confirm available dates and make a reservation for your company, social club function or family and friends.

Cheers, Lynne Graham.

Hold your Wedding reception at Wallaceville House between Easter and Labour Weekend and we will pay for the Church…

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:08:00 GMT

When you are spending a significant sum of money on your wedding photographs you want them to be really special. For your photographer to have a great setting to shoot at is half the battle won. I think that choosing the right Church and Reception venues is essential to add value to the money you are spending on your photographer and Wedding Album.

Wallaceville House is a photogenic reception venue with old world charm set in private grounds with a native bush backdrop. ( see the many pics on this site for reference ) So, it’s a lovely place to have your Wedding reception and to have photos taken. Not to mention, it has the added advantage of on-site accommodation for your out-of-town guests.

But what about if we also could hook you up with an equally charming and photogenic local Church? Even better: what about if we paid for the Church for you - so that it saved you the cost of hiring a Church completely?

I started to get excited about the idea and rang my friends down at the beautiful local Wallaceville Church. They loved the idea too. So we agreed to work together and we put a special deal together aimed at Winter Brides.

Here’s how it works…

Winter Special: if you hold your Wedding reception at Wallaceville House between Easter and Labour Weekend ( any year ) and we will pay for the Church ( obviously it has to be the Wallaceville Church ) valued at $450.

That means a tremendous monetary saving off your Wedding budget - and removes the hassle of organizing separate venues yourself. Saving money and take some pressure off has got to be good.

There will be more info on the wedding pages of this website soon. In the mean-time, here is a link to the website: www.wallacevillechurch.co.nz. So you can check it out for yourself.

If you want some more info please send me your contact details at: info@wallacevillehouse.co.nz

Cheers, Lynne Graham.

This June 2010 someone is going to be “murdered” at Wallaceville House…

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:03:00 GMT

You heard me right… murdered!!! In other words: killed, expunged, eradicated, exterminated… murdered! How do I know? I am arranging it!

Don’t worry tho… it is just the start of a brand new season of our highly entertaining ‘Murder Mysteries’ here at Wallaceville House. We are famous for our live original ‘Murder Mystery’ shows - which blend innocent dinner patrons, such as yourself, with actors who seem like ordinary guests but are really part of the show.

Because 2010 is the year when the ‘whole world’ goes mad over the Football World Cup and, our boys, the ‘All Whites’ will be there for the first time since the 1980’s… we are working on a Murder Mystery theme to centre around the Soccer World Cup.

Although it is still a work in progress: at the moment the idea is that Wallaceville House will become the exclusive training camp for the teams prior to the World Cup and one team who has made it into the World Cup through the back door will discover their coach murdered at the training camp!!! It should be a lot of fun.

This will run using the same theme from June until September through the period the World Cup is on and fans will be able to come along dressed as supporters or members of their favourite team.

These Murder Mysteries are hugely popular because it’s tons of fun guessing “Who Dunnit?” and who is going to be next to bite the dust. It is all in fun – an evening out for lovely dinner - with a twist of ‘murder’.

I’ll tell you more soon…

Cheers, Lynne Graham.

To everyone planning a wedding… I am shouting as LOUD as I can!

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:12:00 GMT

Our Jazz band is tuning up and our “Fairy Godmother” is dancing about the grounds sprinkling “magical wedding dust” everywhere to ensure a “magic day” for us all. It’s all going off this Sunday 14th, between 10am and 4pm, at Wallaceville House!

For the 15th year in a row, we’ll be hosting the Best Boutique Bridal Show in Wellington in the gorgeous bush surroundings of Wallaceville House. Come and be inspired by all things “wedding”.

If you are looking for great new ideas or just want to get some advice from true wedding experts - this Bridal Show is for you.

Who’s going to be there?

14. Hair & Beauty Experts
15. Beautiful and Unique Dresses for Brides and Bridesmaids
16. Cake Wizards
17. Experienced Celebrants
18. Wedding Planners and Consultants
19. Entertainment Specialists
20. First Dance Teachers
21. Florists with flair
22. Jewelry Experts
23. Photographers
24. Suit Hirers
25. Table Decorators
26. Videographers

The 2010 Wallaceville House Wedding & Bridal Show will be your chance to spend a fun day, laughing and relaxing, while mulling over all the lovely possibilities for your Wedding with people who really know their stuff.

This is it – it is only once and year – it is like a “one stop” wedding festival - so don’t miss out. You will receive a FREE wedding magazine when you arrive and you’ll also go in the draw to WIN a NZ$1000 voucher towards the cost of a “Robyn Cliffe” designer wedding gown. Imagine how stunning you’ll look in that!

Where: Wallaceville House, 2 Wallaceville Road, Upper Hutt
When: Sunday 14th March 2010 - 10 am – 4pm (rain or shine)

It’s only $10 admission… or just $5 if you say you saw this BLOG post.

If you would like more information regarding the show please contact me, Lynne Graham, at… bridalshow@wallacevillehouse.co.nz or phone us on (04) 527 7785

Beware of Bridal Show Scams!

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 09:35:00 GMT

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I read the following headline on Stuff.co.nz:

“Fake bridal show scams thousands…

Scammers in the US set up a website advertising a fake bridal show billed as the "biggest and most extravagant" and used it to steal from thousands of brides-to-be and their vendors, who were lured by chances to win ‘fabulous gifts and prizes’.”

How cruel can these crooks be?

http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/3397869/Fake-bridal-show-scams-thousands

As the organizer of 2010 Wallaceville House Wedding & Bridal Show I totally understand how shocked and let down these poor US brides and their families must be. I want the attendees at the 2010 Wallaceville House Wedding & Bridal Show to be inspired, challenged, encouraged, pleasantly surprised and boosted in their confidence to put on the best possible wedding.

It’s less than two weeks away now so the excitement is building at Wallaceville House. Preparations are well under way for the big day on Sunday 14th March 2010: 10 am – 4pm (rain or shine)

The exhibitors are really excited about meeting you so come along and encourage them to give you the best wedding tips, tricks and expert advice in Wellington.

Everyone who attends will go in the draw to win NZ$1000 voucher towards the cost of a “Robyn Cliffe” designer wedding gown. Imagine how stunning you’ll look in that!

Remember, it’s only $10 to attend… or just $5 if you say you saw this BLOG post. Plus, I’ll give you a FREE Wedding Magazine when you arrive.

If you would like more information regarding the show please contact me, Lynne Graham, at… bridalshow@wallacevillehouse.co.nz

How will people remember your Wedding?

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 09:15:00 GMT

Come to that, how will you remember it? After all the planning and all the work you want to slow down your Big Day. Don’t let it flash by… take time... breathe… look at all the faces… smell the flowers… savor the details… imprint it all in your memory… and take lots of great photographs!

But hey, most of all, enjoy it. Have fun… after all it’s your Big Day.

That’s why we are making sure the 2010 Wallaceville House Wedding & Bridal Show on Sunday March 14th is going to be a lot of fun too. You will love the atmosphere as you swing to the crazy sounds of “Spuds” Jazz band and drool over designer wedding gowns. You’ll be inspired by Kapiti’s famous cake makers, “Kiss and Bake Up” and be amazed by special exhibitors like “Big Mac Slabs” who make unique “wedding seats” inscribed with the name of the Bride and Groom. You will be inspired with tons of great new ideas… and reminded of some great old ones too.

I would like to extend my personal invitation to the Best Boutique Bridal Show you’ll see in Wellington in 2010. The lovely bush setting at Wallaceville House provides the perfect backdrop for prospective Brides to come and chat with a wide array of leading wedding experts and be inspired with great wedding ideas as well as have a lot of fun.

For more information regarding the show please contact me, Lynne Graham, at… bridalshow@wallacevillehouse.co.nz