There’ll be Murder and Mayhem as new show set to open at the MAC
3rd April, 2025
The MAC has officially become a crime scene, for the first time in its history as a murder has taken place on its famous stage, but whodunnit?
Murder for Two is a new co-production by Bruiser Theatre Company and the MAC. Written by Joe Kinosian and Kellen Blair, the play which is supported by the Arts Council through National Lottery funding, will premiere on 24 April and run to 11 May.
The hilarious high-energy musical whodunit, is a madcap murder mystery with a twist. Two actors play thirteen characters… plus a few tunes on the piano.
Welcoming the co-production with Bruiser Theatre Company, Rachel Leitch, Head of Marketing with the MAC, says: We are delighted to be Co-producing ‘Murder for Two’ working with the team at Bruiser. This hysterical blend of music, mayhem and of course murder, pays a loving homage to the canon of murder mystery plays to audiences at the MAC. Both actors are devilishly clever and fantastically funny in this full on, fast paced killer musical comedy, which will have audiences in stitches.”
Ahead of the show opening, Bruiser Theatre Company founder and Director Lisa May adds: “For Bruiser this co-production with the MAC is an explosion of joy. Our Bruiser style of extreme physical theatre will be evident in this epic, with Will and Rob bringing our much trusted and anticipated signature energy, inventiveness and dexterity – audiences should expect the unexpected. With the world in utter chaos right now, ‘Murder for Two’ delivers musical and physical gymnastics, side-splitting silliness and some much-needed escapism.”
Following auditions in Belfast and London, Bruiser recruited actors Rob Gathercole, who will take on the daunting task of solving the murder as detective Marcus Moscowicz, and Will Arundell, who will transform into ten murder suspects during the performance.
Gilly Campbell, Director of Arts Development, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented: “Fans of musical theatre and cosy crime are in a real treat this Spring as the hugely talented creative teams at Bruiser and the MAC join up for this fantastic new theatre show. After its run at the MAC, the play will be traveling on to regional venues, including Lisburn, Derry~Londonderry, Armagh, Newtownabbey and Letterkenny, so this really is a brilliant opportunity to see the best of local theatre in a venue near you.”
About the play
Picture the scene, when famous novelist Arthur Whitney is found dead at his own birthday party, it’s time to call in the detectives. The only problem is, they’re out of town. Enter Officer Marcus Moscowicz, a neighbourhood cop who dreams of climbing the ranks. With the clock ticking, it’s up to Marcus to prove his super sleuthing skills and solve the crime before the real detective arrives.
Murder for Two will run at the MAC 24 April – 11 May before heading to Island Arts Centre, Lisburn, 14 May; An Grianan Theatre, Letterkenny 15 May; Theatre At The Mill, Newtownabbey 16 May; The Marketplace Theatre, Armagh 17 May. The tour closes at The Playhouse, Derry on 18 May.
The MAC and Bruiser Theatre Company are both funded and supported by the Arts Council for Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council.