Murder mystery dinners for private events

People organising milestone birthdays, hen parties, clubs and societies, charity fundraisers, and company or hotel events.

A fixed fee per booking, or a price per guest, with extras for costumes, themed props or longer shows. Repeat business and venue referrals help fill the diary.

• Acting or improvisation, or the ability to hire performers
• Script writing or adapting
• Confident with groups of guests
• Reliable organising and communication

• Public liability insurance, and check whether the venue wants to see it
• If you use someone else's script, check the licence and performance rights
• Performers may be self-employed or employees, so check HMRC guidance before paying them
• Check who is responsible for food, allergens and alcohol; this should normally be the venue or client's caterer
• Weekend bookings dominate, so quieter weeks may bring little income

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on your scripts, costumes, performers and insurance. These are estimates, so decide whether you will perform yourself or hire a cast before you budget.

Monthly revenue is typically around £600 to £3,000, depending on how many bookings you take and your prices. Treat this as an estimate, as weekend bookings dominate and quieter weeks may bring little income.

Check public liability insurance and whether venues want to see it. If you use someone else's script, check the licence and performance rights. Check HMRC guidance on paying performers, and who is responsible for food, allergens and alcohol.