Cult hit event Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote is truly a one-of-a-kind night out. Murder, She Wrote super-fan Tim Benzie hosts an interactive screening of the classic detective show with games, prizes, and lots of laughter.
In this interview with Tim, we discover how he got the idea for the stage show, the challenge of running it, and who his biggest cheerleaders are!
Jessica Fletcher Was My Hero
Komedia: Tim, hello! Not to get all funny about it, but we’re such huge fans of your show. Where did your obsession with Murder, She Wrote start?
I watched Murder, She Wrote when it was first broadcast in Australia (which in Oz was from 1985, a year after it premiered in the UK). I was a teenager in suburban Brisbane and, like most people, watched it with my family.
It was a total joy – I was obsessed with Agatha Christie at the time and Jessica Fletcher was my hero, she wrote murder mystery novels and solved real ones as well!
Komedia: She is an absolute icon. At what moment did you think, “I need to watch this TV show with a bigger audience?”
The title “Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote” popped into my head one day and I just thought it sounded hilarious. Toni Morrison said you should write the novel you would like to read, and I basically created the show I’d like to attend.
Oscar-worthy Entertainment
Komedia: What’s been the biggest challenge in the creation of your stage show?
Getting permission to screen the episodes [from NBC Universal Television] was a big challenge, but performing the show is a joy. The show has been refined since its first outing at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern and I’ve now done 38 different episodes all over the UK.
The biggest challenge nowadays is keeping track of the schedule – a nice problem to have!
Komedia: We understand there’s a special someone who supports you through those challenges… Tell us about your fabulous husband!
My long-suffering husband Paul is top of my list of supports and we’re each other’s biggest fans. Of course, I have a wonderful booking agent and rep and … Calm down, Tim, you haven’t won an Oscar!
Komedia: You’d be a fantastic Oscars host, though. The people love you!
My fangelas (as I call them) are amazing. It’s never compulsory to dress up, but when people do, it’s a joy to see. I have a trio of fangelas who follow me around the UK dressed in the grey jogging tracksuit (with a supportive male cohort who has come as Dr. Seth Hazlitt!).
Komedia: And how do you feel when you’re on stage?
Like I’m having a good laugh with a bunch of mates who share my ridiculous sense of humour and love of the show. I’ve never had stage fright (touch wood!) and I’m forever pinching myself that my job is watching Murder, She Wrote and celebrating it!
A Good Time
Komedia: What do you think about Brighton audiences specifically?
They are always up for a good time. They’re raucous and rowdy without being out of control and I feel totally relaxed around them. The shows there are sometimes longer than normal because I keep on oversharing and talking more nonsense!
Komedia: I think we can forgive you for that. What’s the worst thing about performing in Brighton?
What a terrible question! The worst thing? That I often have to catch the last train back to London for shows the next day. Much more fun to stay in Brighton, I have friends there and it’s a special place.
Komedia: We love to hear it. Luckily you’re back again soon, Tim! See you at the show!
Catch Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote at Komedia Brighton throughout its 2025 residency. The next date is Wed 23 Apr with the Murder, She Wrote episode ‘Weave a Tangled Web’.
Follow Tim’s adventures with Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote on Instagram: @solvealongamurdershewrote
