Review: Murder At The Bowlo

**Picture**: Waiting to hear 'whodunnit’ in *Murder At The Bowlo* (*Credit: Creative Futures Photography*)

In a fictious 1987 Queensland, The Honourable Graeme Pintzer is an elected member of the legislative assembly and is hosting a ‘Rural Party’ fundraiser at the local bowling club (‘Bowlo’). Purchase a ticket to support the cause and have the chance to meet with the Rural Party elite—a cast of intriguing characters that may include a nightclub owner (Toni Negroni), the local black widow (Margot Devraux), the rural branch President and local plumber (Kevie Deans), the self-made Barbara St Clair, local tennis legend Johnny ‘Aces’ Acer, and the new Leader of the Party (property developer Damo Woyzeck).

Murder at the Bowlo is an immersive show where ticket holders can be as involved as they wish to be. There are plenty of opportunities to engage with the talented cast, so this is the perfect show family groups (including children), solo guests, couples, and groups of friends.

Each of the performers has established a great back-story for their characters, which can make for some cringe-worthy and funny moments (I particularly enjoyed our ‘conversations’ with the Minister, Damo, Kevie, and Ruby). Watch out for Siobhan Finese (‘Big Shiv’)—you really can’t miss her, as she has a memorable and rather piercing voice and a talent for signing everyone up to her pyramid scheme (I mean… business opportunity). You probably won’t leave the room without having had the chance to hear from ‘wide boy’ Damo about how proud he is to have displaced local families when preparing for Expo ‘88. And make sure you meet with the Health Minister, and see if you can find out the truth behind his close relationship with his nephew…

As with all good parties, it’s best to arrive 10 minutes before the entertainment starts—to meet some of your fellow guests, choose your table, and start to work out who might be the murder victim of the evening (yes, this is a murder mystery event). The local police force is on hand to lead an investigation, but the excellent Acting Sergeant Richard Head and Probationary Constable Paul Ossifer really do need the help of fellow guests to uncover the motive, the means, and the murderer in this fully immersive mystery.

As the only show where you can solve a murder and win a meat tray, I can confirm that this is a fictious, improvised comedy event, but that the meat tray is real (and substantial). If you get the opportunity to catch the final two Improv Queensland shows in the 2025 Anywhere Festival I strongly recommend getting a group together and going along for the fun. Murder At The Bowlo makes for an enjoyable evening; an immersive piece of light-hearted escapist entertainment that can be enjoyed by all members of the family and is a great choice for a group of friends or colleagues. Or just buy a ticket for yourself and enjoy the ride. Here’s hoping that the impressive Improv Queensland team bring this show to a ‘bowlo’ near you soon.

Catherine Lawrence

**Picture**: The talented Improv Queensland cast of *Murder At The Bowlo* (*Credit: Creative Futures Photography).*

Audience information: The 2025 Anywhere Festival Moreton Bay run of Murder At The Bowlo is at three locations (all 7:30pm performances): Mango Hill Community Centre, 2 Kinsellas Road West, Mango Hill (9 May), Woody Point Memorial Hall (17 May), and Narangba Bowls Club (24 May). All ages (I suggest 7+). Some suggestive dialogue, very occasional coarse language, and a ‘murder’! 60 minutes, no interval. Tickets $19-$24, plus $4.40 booking fee.

The reviewer attended the 9 May 2025 7:30pm show.

Geoff Lawrence