Thunderstorm and historic building at murder mystery launch

Media release from Pen-y-bryn Lodge, Oamaru, New Zealand
28 March 2012

Thunderstorm and historic building make for atmospheric murder mystery launch

Lit up by bursts of lightning and punctuated with claps of thunder, the first in a series of Victorian-themed murder mysteries staged at the historic Pen-y-bryn Lodge in Oamaru on Sunday (March 25), was a massive success.

At 123 years old and as Australasia’s largest single-level timber residence, Pen-y-bryn proved an ideal venue for the intrigue, secrets and confusion that followed a superb dinner, perfectly themed for the occasion.

Pen-y-bryn co-owner James Glucksman said the weather, combined with people’s concerted dress up efforts, made for a convincing setting for the Victorian murder mystery game.

“The 10 guests were fantastic. They remained in character throughout the evening, and really got into the spirit of the occasion. As they arrived at the lodge they were given props, a purse of cash that they could use to buy information from others and of course a welcoming glass of champagne. Dinner too was in keeping with the theme, featuring roast beef with "blood-red" sauce, "hacked" Brussels sprouts and "bludgeoned" potatoes.”

Tourism Waitaki Marketing Director Megan Howell, who was among the guests on the inaugural outing, said she didn’t know what to expect and was delighted as an evening of entertainment, trickery and fun unfolded.

“With a story line full of twists and turns and complicated relationships, we all connected with our characters and those around us! And of course included in the evening was a wonderful meal, with gracious hosts in a truly authentic setting, Pen-y-bryn Lodge. I can't wait for the next one!”

With dinner over, the guests retired to the billiard room, where they enjoyed post-dinner drinks while the game continued....

What happened next cannot be revealed until after the next murder mystery, soon to be scheduled.

Later in the year (June) a special Steampunk murder mystery will be staged at Pen-y-bryn as part of Oamaru's Steampunk Festival.

“It’ll be sure to add a further wrinkle to the fun!” Said Mr Glucksman.

ENDS

More about Pen-y-bryn Lodge and the Jameses

Pen-y-bryn Lodge is a small luxury hotel offering exclusive Lodge-style accommodation in five elegant and superbly appointed guestrooms with modern en-suite facilities in a hillside location overlooking historic Oamaru with views of sea and mountains.

Pen-y-bryn Lodge was built in 1889 for Oamaru businessman John Bulleid, who gave the building a Welsh name meaning “On Top of the Hill”. Reputedly the largest single-level wooden structure in Australasia, the house retains many of its original furnishings and fittings, giving it a very elegant, yet comfortable, feeling. Converted into a lodge in the mid-1990s, and bearing five Qualmark stars, Pen-y-bryn offers guests a rare combination of authentic Kiwi heritage and modern convenience.

Hosts James Glucksman and James Boussy (aka ‘the Jameses’), purchased Pen-y-bryn in 2010. Born in the United States, they lived and travelled all over the world before deciding to make their home in Oamaru.

Before Pen-y-bryn, James Glucksman had a career in international management consulting and healthcare for more than 20 years, living and working in more than forty countries all over the world. Fluent in Russian and Chinese, and with a very good knowledge of French, Spanish and German (as well as some limited Japanese and Hungarian), James' first love was always fine food and wine. He is a member of the Slow Food movement (the international organisation that promotes local and sustainable foods) and is in the Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, the Paris-based gourmet society.

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