 It's A Mystery!
Aug 5-10, 12-17, 19-24 - theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall Tim Benzie, the host of Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote, is doing double duty on stage this year at the Edinburgh Festival with his second show, It's A Mystery! His one-man show: a deep dive into the enduring appeal of whodunnits, from Christie to Fletcher. The audience is summoned to the drawing room as Detective Tim examines the clues that first drew him to the genre. In just fifty minutes, Benzie takes us on a journey through the rich history of murder mysteries, from the familiar to the overlooked, like black author Rudolph Fisher and his connection to the genre. One of the show's standout moments is when Benzie highlights the connection between Spock and Sherlock Holmes in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, delving into how Holmes' creator Nicholas Meyer's influence weaves through both characters. This is a thrilling, deep cut that showcases Benzie’s comprehensive knowledge and genuine love for the genre. Having personally interviewed Meyer about his work in the mystery genre, Benzie offered a unique perspective that only someone with his level of fandom and expertise could provide. In true mystery fashion, It's A Mystery! doesn’t just entertain with its light-hearted exploration of the genre—it also holds a carefully laid twist that speaks to something more profound. Without spoiling the reveal, just as we wouldn't for any detective fiction, it’s safe to say that the emotional impact of this twist is both surprising and deeply moving. It’s a testament to Benzie’s storytelling and the depth of his own experience, transforming what begins as a playful homage into something genuinely heartfelt and resonant. 5/5 Lee Hutchison |
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