Court in the Act -- a Freeform Games murder mystery 
For 13 to 21 guests and one or two hosts – costs £25.00 (about 39.08 US dollars)
Court in the Act is a dinner party murder mystery game for 13 to 21 guests and one or two hosts -- download the free introductory pdf file.
Click here to see previous hosts' stories about their Court in the Act parties.
Click here to see the gallery of Court in the Act pictures.
Join us at the court of Queen Elizabeth I of England for an evening of revelry, intrigue and murder. You will be in the middle of the action and it will be up to you to wheel and deal with the other guests. Can you achieve your goals, keep your secrets hidden and survive Court in the Act? It's up to you.
"I bought this game to play with my Shakespeare class (the students were 12-18) -- it was a very fancy affair. We just did it today. It was AWESOME. Everyone came in costume and had a blast. They were begging me to do it again!"
Susan Taylor, California, United States
Court in the Act
The Court of St James's Palace, London, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. All present have but lately arrived from the Royal premier of Master Shakespeare's latest rib-tickling comedy, Two Ladies of Venice. Now, the Queen makes merry and entertains her courtiers, guests, would-be husbands and envoys from foreign powers with a sumptuous banquet. But while all prepare to feast and frolic, dark clouds gather, the sound of war-drums is heard in the distance - and that dear old man the Archbishop of Canterbury, who surely had never an enemy in the world, is found brutally murdered.
At Court in the Act you will discover the following:
- Who murdered the Archbishop of Canterbury?
- Why must Queen Elizabeth never marry?
- Who wrote Shakespeare's plays?
- What is the secret of Dr John Dee's magical powers?
- ...and can England be saved from defeat by the Spanish Armada?
Find out in Court in the Act!
Court in the Act lasts for about four hours and is suited to an evening. It is often played over a meal -- a finger buffet if possible to allow guests to circulate and talk in private.
"I use Court in the Act with students who are not able to go on our 8th grade Washington D.C. Trip. We have played it for three years now, and each year is different but amazing. The kids get involved and do a great job. They love being able to participate in something special that other kids don't do! Plus it ties in to our reading of "Much Ado about Nothing". Thanks for the great product! "
Shannyn Hanlon, United States
The free introductory pdf file contains an introduction to the game, a list of all the characters, an invitation to send to your guests, and the Prologue -- plus details of how to buy the game.
How Freeform Games Murder Mysteries Work
Court in the Act is unlike many murder mystery games. Although the game starts with a murder, most of the characters have more important things to do than to investigate it. And the killing may not be over - it is unlikely that everyone will survive the remainder of the evening!
Court in the Act is played just like a murder mystery game. You may be trying to solve the murder, but primarily you are (initially at least) concentrating on your own goals and objectives. Unlike most boxed murder mystery games, Court in the Act lets you decide how to achieve your goals and thwart your enemies.
On the evening of the game the guests are met by the organizer, the Chamberlain of the Court of St James. They then receive their detailed backgrounds - including dark secrets, objectives and money. When everyone has arrived the Chamberlain announces that, despite the recent tragic events, dinner will now be served. The fun then begins as everyone questions, bribes and blackmails each other. As the evening progresses they may even try to murder one another! Depending on what the players choose to do, there are several different possible endings, but finally everyone finds out how they did, and what secrets everyone else was concealing.
Purchasing Court in the Act
Court in the Act costs £25.00 (GB pounds). That works out at about US$39.08 at today's exchange rate, although the rate charged by your credit card may vary slightly.
To purchase Court in the Act, follow these three steps.
Step 1: Download the free introductory pdf file. You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to read this. If you do not already have Acrobat Reader, click here.
Step 2: Read our terms and conditions of purchase. Then come back here and click on the button to buy the game!
Step 3: Our orders are processed by WorldPay -- we don't actually see your credit card details. After you have entered your credit card details you will be emailed the location of the main pdf files, plus the password required to unlock them. You can then download those files and enjoy the game!
Or, buy now!
Cards we accept
We accept the following credit and debit cards:
Cast Iron Guarantee
We offer a Cast Iron Guarantee on all our murder mystery games. If you're not completely satisfied with Court in the Act then please let us know within 30 days and we will refund you.