Guildford Shakespeare Company is set to transform Hogs Back Brewery into the scene of a murder investigation with its latest immersive experience, A Brew To A Kill.
Running from 24 October to 15 November 2026, the new production marks the company’s third interactive murder mystery and forms part of its twentieth anniversary celebrations.
Set in the 1950s and inspired in part by Shakespeare’s Wars of the Roses cycle, the story follows the Gloucester family as they attempt to relaunch their struggling brewery. Siblings George, Edwina and Richard each have their own vision for the business, but with a rival brewery and a local gangster threatening their future, tensions are already at boiling point when a shocking discovery is made on the day of the Tap Room’s grand reopening.
Rather than watching from the sidelines, audiences will become part of the investigation, moving through locations across Hogs Back Brewery including the Hop Hanger, Brew House, Dutch Barn and a secret location. Along the way, they will interrogate suspects, uncover clues and piece together evidence to determine who is willing to kill to save the family business.
The production follows the sell-out success of Guildford Shakespeare Company’s previous immersive mysteries Boeing, Boeing, Gone! and The Housetrap, continuing the company’s tradition of staging theatre in unexpected venues.
A Brew To A Kill is devised by Guildford Shakespeare Company and written by Eli Murton, who also penned the company’s earlier murder mysteries. It is directed by GSC co-founder Matt Pinches, with costume design by Anett Black, sound design by Matt Eaton, and production, company stage management and lighting design by Hannah Walker.
Matt Pinches said: “I am relishing the prospect of directing the final show in our 20th Anniversary Year, and even more so as it’s with one of our longest-standing partners, Hogs Back Brewery. These Murder Mysteries are really special experiences, for both company and audiences. Up close improvisation, honed detective skills, and a charmingly funny, satisfyingly cryptic script will make for a memorable immersive experience.”
The cast for A Brew To A Kill will be announced closer to the production’s opening.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
