COULD you pit your wits against some of the greatest legendary detectives? Could you be a Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot yourself?

A new joint project brought to you by Shire Hall Historic Court House Museum and Dorchester Arts will give your the chance to explore your inner detective.

‘Murder in the Bunker’ will feature a dramatic murder mystery in which the audience can participate.

In a homage to the 50s and the works of Agatha Christie, following a tour of the old cells, courtroom and Cold War bunker, audiences will be presented with a crime scenario in which a detective will show up to interrogate the various suspects.

Later in the evening, the detective will announce his verdict, and audiences will have the chance to guess who did the deed with the chance to win a prize.

The show was created by Dorset playwrights Vince Jones and James Cuthill.

Vince said: “It’s a murder mystery night with a Dorchester twist! It’s set against the backdrop of an annual meeting of the Dorchester Preservation Society – they are trying to protect the county town from development after the Second World War.

“The keynote speaker is a local property developer who wants to develop the town with a bypass and estates, and he has his eyes on the water meadows to the north of the town. We have tried to give it a modern feel as the themes are still relevant today.

“Then during the evening, a murder occurs, and Inspector Bradshaw comes in to interview the suspects, and after dinner he will pronounce his verdict and the audience can guess who did the dastardly deed too.”

Appropriately, Inspector Bradshaw is to be played by Al Jenkins, who was himself a police inspector before his retirement.

To get into the classic detective spirit, attendees are invited to dress up in 50s outfits for the evening. Tickets, which include a welcome drink and a light dinner, can be purchased via Dorchester Arts box office on 01305 266926, at the Corn Exchange during weekdays or at dorchesterarts.org.uk The show will take place on January 17.