The former coaching Inn in Market Square will be the scene of not one, but two perplexing murders.

And the task of identifying the culprits will fall to guests assembled for a dinner party on Friday, February 20.

The killer (or killers?) will be hoping to escape detection from among a group of suspects lined up by Vikki Shelton.

She came up with the idea of staging Uppingham's first murder mystery evening with fellow Uppingham amateur theatre enthusiast Verna Post.

Falcon Hotel owner Martin Hill was enthusiastic about the suggestion and the two thespians set about preparing a script and putting together a cast.

The 12 players are all leading lights of the local theatrical scene, and include members of Rutland Amateur Theatre Society (Rats), Stamford Shakespeare Company, Rutland Musical Theatre and Uppingham Theatre.

The scenario is set on the eve of the Second World War and centres around fictional hotel owner, ex-nightclub singer and gambler Jimmy Stone.

Rutland Amateur Theatre Society member James Buxton plays Stone, while other colourful characters under suspicion include Sir Henry (Steve Green), psychic medium Cissie Phillips (Tricia Buxton), nightclub singer Bella Rouge (Joan Thompson) and Sir Henry's fiance (Caroline Stephenson, who will direct Midsummer Night's Dream at Tolethorpe this year).

A role is also taken by talented local dancer Robert Wilkes, who is currently studying in London.

Vikki said: "Murder mysteries are very popular and we just thought it was about time Uppingham got a taste of them. It's like an episode of Poirot, really, and it has been great fun putting it together.

"The performers have all done an amazing job. Some have had just a week to learn their lines but they are all talented actors."

There will be a prize for solving the mystery and don't worry if the clues are elusive, 'gosspis' will be on hand to shed light on secrets about some of the dubious characters.

The evening includes a three-course meal and starts at 7pm.

Tickets are £19.95 and for more details or to book, contact the Falcon Hotel on 823535, email: reception@falcon-hotel.co.uk