Eat up and listen in, there's been a murder on music row

A popular Country and Western band from Nashville have arrived in Dubai for a special concert - but the evening turns deadly. Dubai Drama Group challenges UAE residents to interview the suspects and review the evidence to help solve the crime.

A killer is on the loose. The country and western stars Dixie Diver and the Downhome Dealers have flown to Dubai from their hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, to give a special performance. However, a murderer stalks the press conference organised by their record label.

Dubai Drama Group is inviting UAE audiences to Al Dente Restaurant at Byblos Hotel tomorrow to help them solve the case, in a night of murder, mystery and food. This is the group's second annual Murder Mystery evening, following last year's Mafia-themed event.

There has been a substantial increase in live performance events in Dubai, whether it be music, comedy or theatre, and tickets for the forthcoming Murder Mystery night are selling fast, says Rodger Talty, the chairman of Dubai Drama Group.

There are a total of eight actors playing various roles.

"When the guests arrive, they will be shown to their tables and the actors will already be in position and some will mingle with the crowd. Suddenly, an argument will break out and the audience must look to the dialogue for clues," says Talty. "After the last course, there will be an evidence sheet for the crowd to fill out."

The script also offers a bit of humour and the audience is encouraged to participate and dress in country and western attire, although it is not mandatory.

"The way the script is written means each actor has an alibi, so my advice is to watch out for the quiet ones," says Talty. "There will also be props and evidence for people to come and take a look at."

If one of the actors strikes you as suspicious, you are free to question them - but don't believe everything they tell you.

The Dubai Drama Group has been invited to bring the Murder Mystery concept to the next Emirates Airline Festival of Literature in March.

"There is so much potential here in Dubai and there is certainly a market for it," says Talty.

•Tickets cost Dh200 and are available at Al Dente Restaurant. To book visit www.bybloshoteldubai.com. For details about Dubai Drama Group, visit www.dubaidramagroup.com

* Maey El Shoush